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 Drapers’ story is also one of community. In 1444, wealth from the wool trade funded the building of almshouses for those in need. Today, they continue this tradition, providing safe, comfortable and affordable homes in and around Shrewsbury, for people in their later years.