Today the Guild is a modern, volunteer-led organisation dedicated to community services. As well as continuing to develop and run almshouses for the benefit of our residents, we preserve and maintain a historical guildhall and continue the Drapers’ traditions. We encourage textile design and education with an annual textile design competition for both adults and students.
There are approximately 75 members or Freemen, of whom about 50 are actively engaged in volunteering for the company. Freemen are invited to join on the basis of their willingness and ability to volunteer.
Almshouses are safe, comfortable and affordable homes for people in their later years. There are 51 Almshouses spread over 4 sites in Shrewsbury, Drapers Place, Fairford Place, St Giles and Holy Cross, and another site in Newport.
Each year, Shrewsbury Drapers Company host a textile competition, it honours their origins which were founded on Shropshire’s world-renowned wool trade as far back as the 1400’s. The competition promotes textile education, celebrates creativity, and showcases the talent of entrants aged 11 and above.
Judges from across the industry select winners, who receive a range of prizes. Their work then goes on public display in the Shrewsbury library. The most prestigious prize is the Jackie Ryan Memorial Award, established in 2016. Open to students aged 16–22, it offers a two-week placement at Tweedmill to design a woollen throw or blanket, taken through to production to become part of the Tweedmill range.
The guildhall, built in 1585; a typical Shrewsbury half-timbered building, is run as a restaurant and boutique hotel. Visit RHUBARB at Drapers Hall
The Master and Clerk Represent Shrewsbury Drapers at Prestigious Woolmen’s White Tie Dinner The Master of the Shrewsbury Drapers Company, Nancy Sykes-Waller, and Clerk, Lyndsey
Richmond Yorkshire Dinner. On 14 November, The Master and Clerk of the Shrewsbury Drapers Company, Nancy Sykes-Waller and Lyndsey O’Loughlin, were honoured guests of the
The Master and Clerk Attend Michaelmas Service and Feast in The City of York On Thursday 26th September, the Master of the Shrewsbury Drapers Company,
AND OUR OTHER JUDGE IS…….
ALICE RUGMAN
Fashion Designer
I am a fashion designer with a degree in Fashion Design from De Montfort University, where I developed my skills across design, garment construction, textiles and the technical aspects of fashion. My time at university allowed me to explore my creative identity as a designer while developing a strong understanding of the design process, from initial concept development through to the creation of finished garments.
During my studies, my work was showcased at Graduate Fashion Week, giving me the opportunity to present my designs within a professional fashion environment and gain valuable experience of exhibiting my work to a wider audience.
My technical skills and dedication to garment construction were also recognised by De Montfort University, where I received the Student Endeavour Award for my garment construction skills. This recognition was particularly meaningful to me, as technical craftsmanship and attention to detail are central to my approach as a designer.
Prior to university, I studied at Shrewsbury College, where I was awarded Visual 3D Arts Student of the Year. This award recognised my creativity, commitment and ability to work across visual and three-dimensional disciplines, and helped to establish the foundations of my creative practice. ...
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ANNOUNCING ONE OF OUR JUDGES FOR THIS YEAR’S DRAPERS TEXTILES COMPETITION
FLEUR CURTIS
Oscar & Willow Millinery
Fleur Curtis is a couture milliner and founder of Oscar & Willow Millinery.
After 22 years in the NHS, Fleur changed careers and opened her shop and studio in Shrewsbury, where she designs and creates both ready-to-wear and bespoke hats and headpieces.
Her work has earned prestigious accolades including The Feltmakers Design Awards, and The British Hat Guild Award.
Using both traditional and innovative techniques, Fleurs’ work reflects a passion for heritage craftsmanship, a fascination with pushing textiles beyond their conventional use, and diligence to detail.
Fleur is a proud Liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Feltmakers, and a Member of The British Hat Guild’. ...
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AND OUR OTHER JUDGE IS…….
ALICE RUGMAN
Fashion Designer
I am a fashion designer with a degree in Fashion Design from De Montfort University, where I developed my skills across design, garment construction, textiles and the technical aspects of fashion. My time at university allowed me to explore my creative identity as a designer while developing a strong understanding of the design process, from initial concept development through to the creation of finished garments.
During my studies, my work was showcased at Graduate Fashion Week, giving me the opportunity to present my designs within a professional fashion environment and gain valuable experience of exhibiting my work to a wider audience.
My technical skills and dedication to garment construction were also recognised by De Montfort University, where I received the Student Endeavour Award for my garment construction skills. This recognition was particularly meaningful to me, as technical craftsmanship and attention to detail are central to my approach as a designer.
Prior to university, I studied at Shrewsbury College, where I was awarded Visual 3D Arts Student of the Year. This award recognised my creativity, commitment and ability to work across visual and three-dimensional disciplines, and helped to establish the foundations of my creative practice. ...
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ANNOUNCING ONE OF OUR JUDGES FOR THIS YEAR’S DRAPERS TEXTILES COMPETITION
FLEUR CURTIS
Oscar & Willow Millinery
Fleur Curtis is a couture milliner and founder of Oscar & Willow Millinery.
After 22 years in the NHS, Fleur changed careers and opened her shop and studio in Shrewsbury, where she designs and creates both ready-to-wear and bespoke hats and headpieces.
Her work has earned prestigious accolades including The Feltmakers Design Awards, and The British Hat Guild Award.
Using both traditional and innovative techniques, Fleurs’ work reflects a passion for heritage craftsmanship, a fascination with pushing textiles beyond their conventional use, and diligence to detail.
Fleur is a proud Liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Feltmakers, and a Member of The British Hat Guild’. ...
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We have four almshouse vacancies coming up at Fairford Place in Coleham, Shrewsbury.
The four one-bedroom flats are expected to become available towards the end of 2026, at a cost of between £128 and £138 per week.
Fairford Place is a friendly community at the heart of Coleham, close to local shops, with the town centre just over Greyfriars Bridge.
To find out more and apply, visit shrewsburydrapers.org.uk/apply
If you know someone who might be interested, please share this post. ...
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NOT LONG NOW! ...
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