TexSelect (previously called Texprint) will select, mentor and promote the UK’s most talented newly graduated textile designers for the last time as the organisation plans to close its operations this year. Over the last 50 years, TexSelect has interviewed over 10,000 young textile designers and supported more than 1,250 of them to develop their careers and launch into the industry. But as the industry changes and sponsorship budgets shrink, TexSelect has found it tough in recent years to raise the funds required. At the same time, many members of its loyal and long-serving management team are retiring.

TexSelect’s presence at Première Vision Paris this September will also be its last trip to the international textiles fair, which has given outstanding support to the charity over many years. Its London Preview will be held at Chelsea College of Arts in July, with the exhibition showcasing the work of this year’s cohort of selected designers from July, 10-11, 2019.