Dr Brenda M King Research Symposium

The Textile Society membership is a broad and active constituency with incredible expertise and knowledge. As such, it is vitally important that the focus and agenda of the Society reflects the aims, ambitions and practices of its members, and inspires and attracts new members in the future. Since 2021, the Society has significantly increased its membership from approximately 350 to 900+, we have elevated the status of our awards and bursaries, and raised the quality of design for our publications and website. All of these provide an excellent platform for development.

To ensure that the Society continues to promote the study of textile disciplines, both traditional and contemporary, your committee has highlighted Advocacy and Activism as a key goal for the future. To kick start this focus, the Society will hold a Research Symposium at The Art Workers’ Guild, 6 Queen Square, London WC1AN 3AT on Saturday 10 October 2026.

Members are invited to send an Abstract of not more than 350 words describing their Position Paper in response to the theme The Textile Society: Future Advocacy and Activism. Viewpoints may be from, but not limited to, a standpoint of practice, academia, commercial, social, political or any other passion or issue pertinent to the field of textiles, its culture and agency. As part of your submission, you are asked to title your Position Paper and provide an outline of 50 words max. In addition, up to three images may be included (optional).

Abstracts will be peer reviewed and as many Position Papers as possible will be selected for presentation on the day. Selected Abstracts will be published on the Textile Society website.

At the Research Symposium, Position Papers should clearly and concisely communicate the author’s position on a topic and, in this instance, should be presentations of 10 minutes. During the day there will be times set aside for discussions of the ideas presented. The outcomes from the day will be way-markers for the future focus of the Textile Society and provide the theme for an international conference in 2027.

Submission requirements

• Abstract (250-350 words max.)
• Title of Position Paper
• Outline of Position Paper (50 words max.)
• Up to three visuals (optional)

Note: Abstract document in PDF format, please.

Closing date: 16 February 2026

Please submit online through the Members’ Area.
Click here »

New members: To submit your Abstract by the closing date, please join by 1 February 2026 for your membership to be activated.