Emerging Weaver of the Year Award

West Midlands weaver Leonie Edmead has won the 2025 Emerging Weaver of the Year Award, supported by Rose Uniacke, including a special presentation at Wentworth Woodhouse on Monday 17 November 2025.

The award, now in its third year, celebrates an emerging weaver who has made an outstanding start to their craft career. The winner is highly skilled amongst their peers, whilst raising the perceived value of their craft through sharing and awareness raising. They have given themselves a fantastic chance of achieving long-term success, perhaps overcoming disadvantage or setbacks along the way.

Leonie Edmead’s practice is uniquely focused on exploring Caribbean identity and history, blending traditional techniques with contemporary influences. She is now based at Cockpit Studios in London, creating textiles that tell underrepresented cultural narratives through vivid colour and pattern and has been recognised with the Worshipful Company of Weavers Scholarship and Clothworker’s Award.

Rose has long been committed to championing traditional skills and craftspeople. Over the years, she has nurtured relationships with an exceptional group of highly skilled artisans and craftspeople who have the experience, virtuosity and sensitivity to interpret her designs.  Since 2021 Rose Uniacke has been supporting the Heritage Crafts Association through this award, as well as donating profits from her cushion collection and wall hangings made for London Craft Week.

Leonie will be in residence at our Fabric Showroom during London Craft Week in May