King Charles's charity and Amazon join forces for new showcase
The King's Foundation and Amazon MGM Studios are today celebrating a significant milestone in British creative education at Trinity Buoy Wharf on the River Thames.
The inaugural Costume Craft Programme concluded today, with a public showcase marking the achievement of its first ever cohort.
The initiative was established to cultivate emerging talent in sustainable costume production for the television and film industries.
The collaboration between the two organisations follows the release of Finding Harmony: A King's Vision, a documentary that premiered on Prime Video in February exploring His Majesty's environmental advocacy through the Foundation's endeavours.
Eight talented costume makers from across the UK have now completed the intensive training programme.
The graduates bring impressively varied educational backgrounds to their craft, hailing from institutions including Ulster University, London College of Fashion, Birmingham City University, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, and Glasgow School of Art.
One participant, Jessie Humby, arrived with professional experience from a two-year apprenticeship at the Royal Shakespeare Company before joining the Foundation.
Throughout their studies, the cohort mastered an extensive array of specialist techniques encompassing tailoring, embroidery, and leatherwork alongside natural dyeing methods and textile manipulation.
The students developed original costume creations drawing inspiration from notable Amazon MGM Studios productions, including the thriller series The Rig and the period drama My Lady Jane.
Their work combined meticulous historical research with creative storytelling and expert craftsmanship.
Participants responded to professional briefs that mirrored genuine working conditions within the television and film production sector.
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The programme also provided invaluable industry exposure through placements on actual Amazon MGM Studios projects.
These work experience opportunities allowed the emerging makers to apply their newly acquired skills in authentic professional environments.
The resulting showcase presents a diverse and ambitious collection of finished pieces.
Jacqueline Farrell, Executive Director of Education at The King's Foundation, praised the programme's achievements: "The Costume Craft Programme represents the best of what can be achieved when sustainable and heritage skills meet contemporary storytelling.
"Our students have demonstrated extraordinary dedication, creativity, and technical ability throughout the programme and we are grateful for the support of Amazon MGM Studios in helping us to provide such a rich experience for them.
"We are incredibly proud to support the next generation of makers at The King’s Foundation as they bring new perspectives to TV and film, while keeping craft and sustainability at the core of their work."
Those wishing to follow in the footsteps of this inaugural cohort may apply for the next programme until June 14.
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