Stunning dress inspired by creative students’ history project

A fantastic dress created with local students as part of a Black History Month project is soon to be on display at Portland Basin Museum.

The Common Strands 2 project, launched last October to mark Black History Month, has recently concluded with students achieving their Arts Award Discover certificates.

The awards were presented by the Civic Mayor of Tameside, Councillor Helen Bowden, at a special ceremony held at Dixons Ashton Academy.

To support students in exploring the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade, Tameside Council Cultural Services brought together historian Agnes Fough and artist and designer Rachel Wood. The project began at Portland Basin Museum, where its collections provided inspiration and context. Agnes led discussions examining the impact of the local cotton industry and its connections to the transatlantic trade.

Students then worked with Rachel to develop their printmaking skills, creating artistic responses to their learning. Rachel transformed elements of the students’ designs into digital fabric prints, which were brought to life as a stunning dress by dressmaker Flora Danso.

The design of the dress was inspired by a 1930s Cotton Queen dress on display at the museum, reflecting a time when cotton mills dominated the local landscape.

The final piece was unveiled during the presentation event, giving students the opportunity to see the finished creation born from their ideas, creativity and learning.

Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Culture, Cllr Leanne Feeley, said: “It’s delightful for the students to be presented with their well-deserved Arts Award certificates. It’s great to see their enthusiasm for this project and to hear their commitment to anti-racism through the pledges they made.

“It is to the credit of Dixons Academy and the ‘Common Strands’ project that participating pupils showed a strong commitment to promoting understanding of the impacts of slavery and making a positive contribution to their community in Tameside.”

Dean Chadwick, Dixons Ashton Academy Enrichment Lead, added: “This project has provided our students with an incredible opportunity to work creatively with Tameside Cultural Services whilst exploring important aspects of local history and identity. Throughout the process they have shown maturity, creativity, and pride in their work, and we are immensely proud to see their achievements celebrated through this event.”

The dress will be on display at Portland Basin Museum, Ashton, from 28th July. Visit the museum from 10am to 4pm, Tuesdays to Sundays.