About The Creative Dimension

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Enabling young people to develop fine hand skills with leading, international specialists.

The Creative Dimension Trust offers workshops and work experience opportunities designed to give talented young people the skills and confidence to pursue a career in which core hand skills – i.e. a high degree of manual dexterity, draftsmanship and the ability to understand and (re)construct 3-Dimensional structures – are prerequisite.

Workshops are taught by craft specialists who are acknowledged leaders in their professions. These are not kid’s art courses – the goal is to learn, experiment, gain confidence, take inspiration from the best, and have exposure to career opportunities. Students gain an awareness of what is possible, and how to achieve it.

Participation in arts subjects is on the decline in both secondary and higher education. Data suggests a move away from material and equipment intensive teaching, and thus a reduction in the focus on 3D learning. The decline in uptake of arts subjects in schools has been associated with the introduction of educational performance frameworks, perceptions of the value of arts education among pupils and parents, and a political emphasis on STEM.

Crafts promote precise hand-eye co-ordination, and the ability to understand and construct 3-dimensional shapes – core skills for any young person considering a career in architecture, design, surgery or the engineering and construction industries.

Roger Kneebone, professor of surgical education at Imperial College, says young people have so little experience of craft skills that they struggle with anything practical. He warns that medical students “might have high academic grades but cannot cut or sew.”

In November 2019, the Crafts Council project ‘Supporting Diversity and Expertise Development in the Contemporary Craft Economy’ reported barriers for people in minority groups to become professional makers which are social, cultural, and economic. It concludes that “For those who are not from a relatively privileged background or with the necessary networks and educational level, it is particularly difficult to make a career and be adequately recognised in the sector.”

While extra-curricular courses and networks support and nurture talent in activities such as music or sport, there is no equivalent for crafts. Industry professionals recognise there is a particular gap in the school curriculum for two of the core skills taught on TCDT workshops – hand skills and visual sensitivity. Other skills such as organisation and planning, focus and concentration, and teamwork apply to professional practice in general.

Our work is entirely dependent on the generosity of others. Everything we do requires collaboration, partnership and goodwill.

If you would like to help us in any way, please contact us.

TCDT's First Decade

2015

TCDT launches with two pilot workshops, sponsored by The Eranda Rothschild Foundation, held at The King's Foundation School of Traditional Arts. 12 students learn gilding, while another 12 are taught marquetry.

2016

TCDT runs five summer workshops, including the first with The Royal Household at Buckingham Palace.

TCDT becomes a Charitable Incorporated Organisation and is formally launched by TCDT Patron Sir Christopher Frayling at a reception at Carpenters' Hall.

2017

TCDT runs 11 summer workshops, including the first with The Goldsmiths' Centre.

2018

TCDT launches the work experience programme, placing two students with Grimshaw Architects.

TCDT holds its first annual event at Bonhams Auction House, where alumni showcase their work and skills. A triptych created by 27 students is unveiled to commemorate the Great War centenary. The triptych then moves to Somerset House's Seaman's Hall.

2019

TCDT launches My Creative Career, a Q&A series featuring leading makers and designers, including Roksanda Ilincic, Lyn Harris, and Robert Storey, who respond to questions from TCDT students and alumni.

The TCDT Alumni Committee forms, comprising individuals with unique TCDT journeys.

TCDT assembles an expert committee of educators and employers to explore accreditation. After several meetings, the group defines the purpose, requirements, administration, and grading of a credential designed to assess a student's ability to transform 2D concepts into 3D outcomes. The committee includes:

  • Gary Elliott, CEO and Founder, Elliott Wood
  • TCDT tutor and figurative painter Sarah Hocombe
  • Penny Milsom, Deputy Chief Executive: Products & Services, ABRSM
  • Peter Morris, Managing Director, Allford Hall Monaghan Morris
  • Tamiko O'Brien, former Principal, City & Guilds of London Art School
  • TCDT's Peter Eisenhardt
  • TCDT's Penny Bendall

TCDT is invited to showcase its work at the Garfield Weston Foundation's 60th anniversary held at Banqueting House, London.

2020

TCDT alumnus and 2019 Annual Achievement Award winner, Jay, speaks to young people at The Southbank Centre Creative Careers Day.

TCDT launches the Transferrable Skills interview series, demonstrating how workshop skills translate into diverse careers. Featured contributors include:

  • Peter Morris, Managing Director, Allford Hall Monaghan Morris
  • Dr Roger Kneebone, Professor of Surgical Education, Imperial College London
  • Carol Gamble, Head of Science, Maria Fidelis FCJ Catholic School

TCDT pilots its accreditation scheme, using tutor-completed tick-box evaluation forms.

In response to COVID-19, TCDT launches online workshops within the first two weeks of lockdown. 58 workshops are run online during the pandemic, with materials packages posted out to students.

2021

TCDT runs a hybrid programme of online and in-person workshops.

Student work is displayed for two weeks in Fortnum & Mason's Piccadilly store corner window. Designed by TCDT Trustee Simon Costin, A SURREALIST DINNER features pieces from marbling, silhouette, enamel, silver, and sugar paste workshops.

TCDT holds its third annual event at Bonhams. Philippa Charles, Director of the Garfield Weston Foundation, is guest speaker and presents the Annual Achievement Award.

2022

TCDT students return to Fortnum & Mason with a second display, WONDERS OF THE UNDERSEA WORLD, featuring architectural models, fused glass deep-sea fish and coral lace, enamelled sea creatures, and a painted backdrop.

TCDT holds its annual event at Leathersellers' Hall, launching the TCDT Shop where guests can purchase student work to support future workshops. Bertrand Michaud, Managing Director of Hermès, is the guest speaker and presents the Annual Achievement Award. 10 TCDT alumni exhibit their work.

TCDT pilots school workshops at Maria Fidelis School in Camden, sending tutors directly into classrooms with the goal of expanding to other London schools.

2023

The work experience programme restarts post-COVID, placing 24 students aged 18–23 with leading creative companies.

TCDT's third Fortnum & Mason window display, ANOTHER WORLD, features architectural models, glass planets and stars, enamel comets, and spaceman puppets. TCDT also installs Parfum Glorieux!, a permanent mural on the second floor of Fortnum & Mason's Piccadilly store, inspired by the style of Eric Ravilious. The mural is officially launched at TCDT's champagne reception kindly hosted by Fortnum & Mason. TCDT trustee Simon Costin presents the Annual Achievement Award.

TCDT hosts its first fundraising lecture, Ceremony and Splendour: A History of Coronation Dress and Jewels, presented by Caroline de Guitaut, Deputy Surveyor of The King's Works of Art, at Clothworkers' Hall.

Following the successful pilot, TCDT expands its schools programme to other schools across London.

2024

TCDT runs London's first Manufacto workshop for Hermès.

The Giant Tassel is created at jewellery, enamelling, tassel making, embroidery, and gilding workshops.

2025

TCDT publishes a landmark report: Transforming 2D to 3D: The Need for Visual Sensitivity and Manual Dexterity Skills Development Across Industries. The report highlights how TCDT's core workshop skills – visual sensitivity and manual dexterity – are essential for transforming 2D ideas into 3D outcomes. It draws on insights from 76 industry leaders across 19 sectors, including surgical education, fashion, architecture, civil and chemical engineering, design, dentistry, radiology, textiles, and jewellery. The report reveals a significant gap between skill development and career opportunity.

TCDT celebrates its 10th Anniversary at The King's Gallery, Buckingham Palace. Tim Knox, Director of the Royal Collection, presents the Annual Achievement Award.

The fifth Fortnum & Mason window display features a celebratory sugar paste chandelier, copper droplets, enamel candles, and an embroidered banner.

Our People

Staff

Trustees

Patrons

Accreditation Committee

Accreditation Scheme

At the end of each workshop, students are assessed by experienced tutors and practitioners and awarded a grade reflecting the student’s level of attainment in the relevant transferable skills.

For more information on The Trust’s accreditation scheme, please click here.

Charity Information

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The Creative Dimension Trust is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (registration no. 1166443).

Copyright

The content, logo, and photos on this site are copyright of The Creative Dimension Trust – and can only be reproduced with the written permission of the Trust.

Contact Us

We welcome messages from supporters, partners, and anyone interested in helping us make a difference. Whether you’re interested in supporting our mission, collaborating with us, or making a donation, your involvement helps talented young people from underserved backgrounds develop vital skills and explore creative careers. Join our community to help us provide world-class workshops, work experience, and opportunities that transform lives.