Winner of Shrewsbury's Young Arts Bursary

The winner of The Arts Society Shrewsbury’s Young Arts Bursary is Gabriel Watts from Shrewsbury, a former pupil of Haberdasher’s Adams school in Newport, Shropshire.

Gabriel is currently studying in the Fashion Department at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Belgium, where he is in the second year of a three year Bachelor’s Degree.

The £2000 award will make a difference to the garments which he can make for his final year show by giving him the freedom to use more expensive fabric and possibly buy a knitting machine.

Gabriel is aiming high. He said: “Once I have completed my degree, my aim is to work within a fashion house design team. Having gained a more in-depth knowledge of the industry, I then hope to launch my own label.”

Vice Chairman, Deborah Yates, is delighted that the Society is able to support such a talented student: “From a field of 26 applicants, the interview panel was impressed by all three short-listed candidates but Gabriel was outstanding. We were struck by his drive and determination, his creative vision and his technical skill.”

Yvonne Bridgeland, Chairman of The Arts Society Shrewsbury, said: “Gabriel is passionate about what he is doing and has become aware of the importance of his English and Shropshire roots while he has been studying in Antwerp, and has used this to inspire his designs. He has the potential to be an excellent ambassador for Shrewsbury and The Arts Society.” She added: “We look forward to watching his exciting progress in the future.”

The runners-up were Ben Davies, a cinematography student from Ellesmere, and Jacob Chandler, a young sculptor from Telford.