Downton Abbey Designer Fights Course Closure

Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) is winding down its Performance Costume degree, alongside its Textiles and Jewellery & Silversmithing courses, with no new applicants accepted after 2027. This decision has sparked significant backlash from notable alumni, including Anna Mary Scott Robbins, who led costumes for Downton Abbey, and Katy Taylor, who worked on Game of Thrones. Both attribute their rapid industry success to the comprehensive training provided by ECA, which they argue equips students with essential design and making skills.

A petition to reinstate the three degrees has garnered over 16,000 signatures, with current students and alumni campaigning against the closure. They contend that the degrees are vital for employability and that a short elective cannot replace the in-depth training offered. The University of Edinburgh, which took over ECA 15 years ago, stated that the closures are a response to significant changes in the design industry driven by technological advancements, aiming to ensure its educational offerings remain relevant and sustainable.

Alumni like Robbins and Taylor, who frequently hire graduates, expressed concern that prospective students might not receive adequate training from a brief elective. They believe the university has underestimated the employability of graduates from these specific courses. Current third-year student Marina Munday highlighted the widespread upset among students, not only for their own experience but also for the broader impact on Scotland's creative industries and the disrespect shown to long-serving faculty.