Hull College student Eleanor set for success ahead of degree show
BRIGHT FUTURE: Hull College student Eleanor Story
By Katy Wood
A mum who recently completed a degree and hopes to become a teacher is gearing up to showcase her creative talents at Hull College’s annual degree show.
Eleanor Story, 29, from east Hull, returned to education when her son Alexander, now nine, started school and completed an access course at Hull College to gain her A-levels in 2019.
She then successfully completed a two-year Foundation Degree in Fashion, Design and Textiles and has recently finished a one-year Bachelor of Arts (BA) course in the same subject.
In addition, as she awaits her results, Eleanor has also designed the winning submission - selected by Hull College staff - for the college’s annual degree show GROW, which opens on Thursday, June 8.
GROW is a celebration of innovation and creative talent, showcasing the work of graduating Fine Art, Fashion, Graphic Design and Photography students at the college.
EVENT: Hull College’s annual degree show, GROW, takes place on Thursday, June 8
As well as providing a platform for students to share their creations, the exhibition marks the start of their professional journeys, helping to raise their profiles and capture the attention of potential employers before moving forward in their chosen careers.
Eleanor said: “I’ve been working on my collection all year, as our final major project runs from September to June.
“I started at the design stage and looked at various inspirations, making mood boards and a folder of samples before creating prints. I then made the mock-up designs before the real garments and I’ll have four looks to show.
“I’m really proud of my work and what I’ve achieved, and I’m looking forward to people seeing it.
“I have to juggle a lot and some people in my position think it’s impossible to go to college or university. It’s a struggle at times but I’m so pleased I’ve done it. I want to make Alexander proud.”
‘REALLY PROUD’: Eleanor Story is looking forward to showcasing her work
Eleanor’s success has not come without its challenges, as she juggles being a full-time mum alongside her full-time studies, and she took a break from learning to care for her father before he passed away in May last year.
Her course covers designing clothes, gathering inspiration, making patterns, cutting and making garments, as well as learning how to use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign and the skills and knowledge required to run her own business.
Eleanor recently completed a client brief for Mackintosh, one of the world’s most influential coat makers, as part of her course projects and now hopes to complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), enabling her to teach others.
She said: “I’ve always loved textiles and studied it at secondary school but it wasn’t considered a job option, so I went down the Science and Maths route because I felt pushed that way.
“As a result, I didn’t follow the path I wanted when I left school, so I decided to do this for me when Alexander reached school age.
TALENTED: Some of Eleanor Story’s designs
“I’ve had such a nice experience at Hull College and the tutors are fantastic. They’re so flexible and supportive and I’d like to teach textiles to other students in the future.
“Hull College is a brilliant learning environment and there’s lots of one-to-one support if you need it. The tutors make everything fun and learning isn’t a chore.”
Hull College is introducing Higher National Certificates (HNCs) in Art and Design, with specialist pathways in Photography, Graphics and Fashion and Textiles.
The qualifications, which are equal to Level 4 and Level 5, will be available from September.
David Vickers, Head of HE Development and Registry at Hull College, said: “The new HNCs will offer core skills, such as professional development, as well as focusing on particular specialist areas in each field.
“They are very practically and vocationally-oriented qualifications and will give students the opportunity to explore the creative industries, with a focus on the particular area they’re interested in.
“We’ll develop their knowledge and skills, with a view to them being able to launch careers in the industry.”
GROW will take place at Hull College’s Institute of Arts, at its Queens Gardens campus, from 5.30pm on Thursday, June 8. Entry is free and refreshments will be available for guests. The exhibition is open to the public, there is no need to book in advance or pre-register to attend, and free parking will be available in the college car parks.