Current Job Title & Employer

Trainee Tailor at Angel's Costumes.

Dame Alice Owen’s Class of....

Class of 2015.

Brief description of your path after Owen’s.

After leaving Owen's, I took some time out to save some money, then attempted 'normal' university, studying Film. During this time, I was diagnosed with autism, which gave me a lot of insight into how I actually 'tick' in educational and professional environments. I decided that "normal" University wasn't right for me, so I took another gap year and found some work experience on the set of Peaky Blinders to explore career options and pathways in the screen industry. Following the placement I researched Costume degree courses very thoroughly and applied for the two year FdA course at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School; the course appealed not only due to the two year structure, but also the full time hours, practical experience on professional theatrical and short film productions, industry links, and small class size of eight students per year. It was the only course I applied for and I was offered a place following a portfolio interview. At the end of the FdA I was offered one of four places on the BA top-up degree year and upon completing my degree I was awarded the school's prize for costume making for an entirely handsewn 1790s suit I reconstructed using authentic period tailoring techniques. I spent the first nine months after graduation as a freelancer, working in opera and costume making workrooms, designing a BFI funded short film and undertaking an 8-week paid internship at Angel's Costumes. During the internship I was offered the opportunity to try my hand in the tailoring department, who then offered me a permanent position as Trainee Tailor.

How your path led you to where you are now?

My path was perhaps a little winding but through all of the trial and error, I avoided committing myself to a path of study too early, I gave myself the chance to leave an educational environment that wasn't working for me and therefore stopped telling myself that I was a failure and as a result,  I have found myself working in an industry that is incredibly rewarding. 

Did your time at Owen’s inspire any particular skills or attributes?

Being involved both on-stage and behind-the-scenes in school productions at Owen's contributed to my desire to work in the creative industries. Despite not taking Drama as a subject, Miss Govier gave me plenty of opportunities which ensured I was creatively fulfilled between my formal studies.

Favourite Owen’s memory?

My favourite Owen's memory is a hard choice but I think I'll have to go with stage crewing the 400th Anniversary Concert at the Royal Albert Hall. It was a long day, maybe 18 hours, and all I really remember is moving some chairs, standing next to Spandau Ballet in the wings, and having pizza and ice cream (and a lot of overtired laughs) on our breaks. Working in a venue like the RAH can only really be described as a formative memory, can't it?