Young Crafters Building Careers in Furniture Making and Textile Design

Robin Johnson sits down with sisters Clara and Rose Prince to discuss studying furniture making and textile design, navigating creative careers, and building a future in craft. Clara studies furniture making at West Dean College while Rose focuses on weaving and textiles at Chelsea College. They speak openly about the realities of creative education, student debt, apprenticeships, networking, exhibitions, and the pressure of entering industries where practical skills matter more than academic status. The conversation also explores collaboration, British manufacturing, women in craft industries, and why hands on work still matters in a digital world.Key Topics Covered:Studying furniture making at West Dean CollegeLearning weaving and textile design at Chelsea CollegeWomen entering male dominated craft industriesNetworking and building industry relationships through exhibitionsStarting a creative career after universityThe reality of running a craft businessCreative collaboration between furniture and textilesThe financial pressure of university and student debtWhy apprenticeships deserve more attentionBritish manufacturing and sustainable productionUsing textiles to support dementia care and cognitive healthBalancing creative ambition with practical industry experienceEnjoying the show?Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Key Moments:00:00 Introduction to Clara and Rose Prince00:43 Growing up in a creative and hands on family02:22 Women entering furniture making and textile design04:48 Supporting each other through creative education05:53 Exhibitions and presenting work publicly07:56 How university prepares students for industry09:32 Plans after graduation and gaining industry experience12:19 Collaboration ideas and future business ambitions17:52 Balancing business goals with personal ambitions21:43 Family influence and inherited craftsmanship22:54 The cost of university and creative education23:10 Apprenticeships versus university pathways26:31 Textiles, dementia care, and cognitive health29:23 British manufacturing and preserving craft industries46:48 Advice to their younger selves