We are delighted to announce that Olivia Tomson, one of our 2024 Sixth Form leavers, has been named the winner of the Key Stage 5 Textiles category in the prestigious Independent Schools Association (ISA) Regional Art Competition. Competing against exceptional A-level entries from across the London West group, Olivia’s remarkable work stood out for its creativity and technical mastery.
Olivia’s winning piece, a 5-foot textile weave consisting of three panels, is an evocative portrayal of the effects of climate change on the polar ice caps. Her design captures the urgency of rising sea levels and melting ice through intricate quilting and machine embroidery techniques. This ambitious project, part of her A-level coursework, earned her an A grade and has now gained well-deserved recognition on a larger scale.
Miss Liz Brown, Olivia’s Textiles Teacher, expressed her pride in Olivia’s achievement: “Olivia’s work is a testament to her talent and dedication. The project took a great deal of careful planning and construction, and alongside her excellent A Level results, it’s wonderful to see her efforts recognised in such a prestigious competition.”
Olivia achieved an A in both Fine Art and Textile Design at A Level this summer. Olivia worked incredibly hard to manage her two portfolios and made fantastic progress during her time at Rookwood. She is currently studying an Art Foundation Course.
The ISA Regional Art Competition attracts high-quality entries from students across a wide range of disciplines, and Olivia’s success is a reflection of both her artistic vision and the support of Rookwood’s creative arts faculty. Her accomplishment highlights the school’s commitment to fostering creativity and encouraging students to explore important global issues through their work.
We are incredibly proud of Olivia and look forward to seeing what she achieves in the future.
