Discover a flair for fashion illustration at Bishop's Stortford library
Artist Ben Springham is bringing his fashion flair to two free workshops at Bishop’s Stortford library for budding illustrators.
The former Northgate Primary School pupil and Bishop’s Stortford High School student is a style maven who honed his skills capturing the catwalk action for British magazines like Dazed and i-D as well as Vogue USA.
Ben (@benspringhamstudio on Instagram), who has a Bachelor of Arts degree in illustration, will share his rapid and instinctive sketching technique in two sessions.
The classes are part of a Hertfordshire County Council library service artist-in-residence programme called My Story, funded by Arts Council England.
They will take place on Wednesday February 1 and Wednesday February 8, from 6pm to 7.45pm.
At the first session, Ben will be joined by Alexander Knight, a digital fashion design graduate, who will be modelling his own creations for the class.
Alexander (@alexanderknightfashion on Instagram) studied at Ravensbourne University in London. His work has been featured in Vogue Italia, Forbes, Women's Wear Daily, Love Magazine and 10 Magazine.
His designs take inspiration from art, historical fashion and religious vestments. "I like to bring historical narratives into a digital world where the past and future can co-exist,” he said. Alex, who works full-time as a 3D designer, will be showcasing and modelling his avant-garde designs at the first workshop.
Ben’s garment guru for the second session will be his cousin Kelly, a professional stylist from Saffron Walden, who will be delving into her own wardrobe to inspire workshop attendees.
Kelly (@kspringhamstyling on Instagram), who has more than 20,000 followers on social media, aims to inspire women and men on how to dress affordably and confidently.
She works with individual clients and brands, online or face to face, including Donna Ida Denim, Lucy Dodwell London, Moo Bou and eco-activewear Asquith.
“As a professional stylist, I'm very aware of the trust clients put in me with regards to their image and I love helping them regain lost confidence," said Kelly.
"I'm so happy to support my cousin Ben in his classes, as we share the same enthusiasm for fashion and creativity. A lovely opportunity to work together and create some fun looks to sketch."
Ben, who has previously hosted tutorials at the New Apton Centre, said: “The classes are an explorative insight into the practice of fashion illustration. You'll learn to draw fashionable garments combined with how to draw the human figure using simple techniques. The results will be unique to each person and you'll develop a skill at drawing from life.”
The free places are limited to 24 per class and must be booked in advance at the library or online at https://linktr.ee/mystorytour.
A waiting list will be set up if tickets sell out. For help, email mystory@hertfordshire.gov.uk or benspringhamstudio@gmail.com.
