Katy Welsh – Taking costume to the next level with AUB

At school, I always used to imagine that I would do a more academic degree, like history but, after making my first dress in GCSE Textiles, I knew this is what I wanted to do as a career. I went on to do A-Level Art Textiles and started to look at degree courses.

After weighing up courses at several universities, I decided on BA (Hons) Costume at AUB. It was the Open Day that really cemented the decision. When I arrived on campus there was a party atmosphere; the sun was shining, music playing, and so many creative things going on. The lecturers were enthusiastic and welcoming, and the course content was exactly what I wanted.

I made so many wonderful things during my BA. In my first year, I made an 1890s blouse – learning how to flat draft patterns and choose materials, a 1590s corset where I practised new decorative techniques, and a 17^th century pair of breeches, which was my first time making menswear. I explored different areas of costume, with sessions on costume design, supervision, breakdown and set design. Each year I built on my experience, making a full costume in my second year (a French Revolution peasant costume, including a caraco jacket, pleated skirt, petticoat, bum-roll, apron, and fichu).

In my final year, I worked on the AUB production of This Happy Breed, where I made three costumes, including a tailored men’s coat and two 1930s dresses (one of which was a maternity dress). Working on a live production taught me so much about working to deadlines and collaborating with other professions. At the end of my final year, I was given the opportunity to do work experience for Dorset Opera Festival. It was an incredible experience to work for an actual opera company.

Long before I graduated, I knew that I wanted to progress to Master’s level, as it felt important for me to further develop my skills before finding work. Although I love Bournemouth and my experiences at AUB have all been really positive, I didn’t necessarily plan to stay here. But, having looked at a variety of courses, the MA Historical Costume course – with its historical focus – was exactly what I wanted.

So, I was very happy to stay in Bournemouth and excited to continue my journey here and, of course, staying at AUB has set me up really well. I was able to start the course already knowing people, the studios, the academic standards, and – because I am continuing to specialise in making – it’s been easier to further develop my skills. But there was another reason for choosing AUB; I have ASD and, during my BA, I received such great support from Student Services (especially AUB Futures, disability and neurodiversity, and wellbeing). Studying somewhere with good support is particularly important to me and I know these services are reliable and staffed with lovely people.

I decided to spread the course over two years and study part-time. This really suits me, enabling me to work alongside my studies, taking every opportunity for work experience. It also means I have longer to complete each project giving me more time to plan and research every item. To help fund my studies, I’m working part-time as an SEN teaching assistant with local schools, supporting young people with ASD, something I have really enjoyed, but a complete contrast to my studies.

I started my MA by researching maids' uniforms in the 1910s, and in the next few months, I am looking forward to working on collaborative projects with the National Trust and Salisbury Museum.

So far, the MA has been amazing – I’ve had so much control over what I want to research and make, learning so much more about historical costume and the costume industry, and everyone I’ve met as part of it has been so lovely.

I’m nearly at the end of my first unit now and I can’t wait to get started on my next project!