We recently attended the Leeds Arts University Industry Awards Evening, where SDC Technical Director Andrew Filarowski and Historical Collections Officer Shelley Hollingdrake presented the Society’s annual Creative Colour Award.

This year’s award was presented to Grace Cook in recognition of her outstanding use of colour across her final-year project, Feeling Colour, which explores neuroaesthetics, colour and sensory-led design within interior spaces.

Inspired by sensory gardens and restorative environments, Feeling Colour investigates how colour, texture, pattern, scale and materiality can influence mood, emotional response and sensory experience. Through a series of designs for upholstery fabrics and wallpaper, the project explores how interiors can support wellbeing and encourage sensory engagement through immersive use of colour and thoughtfully considered surface design.

Using collage as a primary image-making method, Grace translated sensory observations and environmental references into layered surface designs, which were developed using digital print, screen-print and tactile techniques including flock and foil.

The judges were particularly impressed by Grace’s heroic use of colour, innovative use of material and delightfully painterly mark making, which helped her work stand out amongst this year’s submissions.

As part of the award, Grace will receive complimentary student membership of the SDC, an invitation to attend the Society’s Day of Celebration in May 2027 and the opportunity to have her work featured in the Colourist.

Congratulations to Grace on receiving this year’s Creative Colour Award. We look forward to seeing where Feeling Colour and her creative practice take her next!