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 becomes a Charitable Incorporated Organisation and is formally launched by TCDT Patron Sir Christopher Frayling at a reception at Carpenters’ Hall.
TCDT runs five summer workshops, including the first with The Royal Household at Buckingham Palace.
2017
TCDT runs 11 summer workshops, including the first with The Goldsmiths’ Centre.
2018
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.
TCDT launches the work experience programme, placing two students with Grimshaw Architects.
2019
TCDT is invited to showcase its work at the Garfield Weston Foundation’s 60th anniversary held at Banqueting House, London.
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 TCDT Alumni Committee forms, comprising individuals with unique TCDT journeys.
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.
2020
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.
TCDT pilots its accreditation scheme, using tutor-completed tick-box evaluation forms.
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 alumnus and 2019 Annual Achievement Award winner, Jay, speaks to young people at The Southbank Centre Creative Careers Day.
2021
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.
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 runs a hybrid programme of online and in-person workshops.
2022
TCDT pilots school workshops at Maria Fidelis School in Camden, sending tutors directly into classrooms with the goal of expanding to other London schools.
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 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.
2023
Following the successful pilot, TCDT expands its schools programme to other schools across London.
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.
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.
The work experience programme restarts post-COVID, placing 24 students aged 18–23 with leading creative companies.
2024
The Giant Tassel is created at jewellery, enamelling, tassel making, embroidery, and gilding workshops.
TCDT runs London’s first Manufacto workshop for Hermès.
2025
The fifth Fortnum & Mason window display features a celebratory sugar paste chandelier, copper droplets, enamel candles, and an embroidered banner.
TCDT celebrates its 10th Anniversary at The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace. Tim Knox, Director of the Royal Collection, presents the Annual Achievement Award.
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.
