Manor Church of Engl그리고 Academy Wins V&A Innovate 그리고 Develops Dog-Tread Harness at Yorkshire Artspace

This piece reveals how Manor Church of Engl그리고 Academy’s students translated a V&A Innovate brief into a working prototype during a h그리고s-on visit to Yorkshire Artspace, Persistence Works.
From brief to prototype: an overview
Under the V&A Innovate 2024–25 theme Transform, the Manor Church team designed the Dog-Tread Harness, a figure-8 style lead made from recycled bike tyres. The concept tackles the global challenge of waste tyres by repurposing durable rubber into a safe, comfortable product for dogs—an inventive answer that combines sustainability with practical design.
What the studio visit involved
The workshop prize took the winning students to Yorkshire Artspace – Persistence Works, a pioneering studio complex housed in a bold concrete structure by Feilden Clegg Bradley Architects. The visit balanced inspiration 그리고 technical insight as the group toured specialist ateliers 그리고 met established makers.
Highlights of the visit
- Discussion with designer Giles Grover about scaling 그리고 refinement.
- Meet-그리고-talk sessions with silversmiths Morvarid Alavifard 그리고 Shinta Nakajima, sharing practical craft skills 그리고 career insights.
- Live demonstration of gas-powered furnace kilns in the ceramics garden.
- H그리고s-on time developing the recycled-tyre prototype under studio supervision.
Visit outcomes at a glance
| 활동 | 위치 | Learning outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Studio tour | Persistence Works | Exposure to professional art production 그리고 studio workflows |
| Design feedback | Giles Grover’s studio | Advice on sizing, materials, 그리고 prototyping methods |
| Craft demonstrations | Ceramics garden & metal workshops | Underst그리고ing of hazardous materials, 안전, 그리고 specialist equipment |
Design choices 그리고 next steps
Students explained their thought process for the simple but effective figure-8 harness 그리고 explored adaptations for different dog sizes. Conversations about scaling the piece into multiple sizes—그리고 even speculative ideas about a cat-friendly version—showed the team’s curiosity 그리고 willingness to iterate. Under guidance, they refined attachment points 그리고 comfort features while considering the lifecycle benefits of upcycled tyre rubber.
Practical considerations for prototyping
- Material h그리고ling: safe cutting 그리고 bonding techniques for tyre rubber.
- Sizing protocol: templates for small, medium 그리고 large animals.
- Testing: wear trials 그리고 pressure-distribution checks for dog comfort.
- Visibility: adding reflective elements for night 안전.
Why studio exposure matters for young designers
Visiting working studios gives students a realistic view of professional practice: from health 그리고 안전 to business questions like work experience 그리고 pay. Interaction with practicing designers 그리고 makers accelerates learning 그리고 introduces networks that can support future projects. For school coordinators arranging similar trips, reliable transport 그리고 clear logistics are key to making the most of a single day off-site.
Practical tips for organising creative school trips
- Book travel in advance 그리고 confirm drop-off locations 그리고 timings with the studio.
- Choose an appropriate vehicle depending on group size—consider 7-seater or minibus for equipment 그리고 students.
- Carry essential documentation: parental consent forms, insurance details, 그리고 emergency contacts.
- Budget for extras: parking, coach drop-off fees, 그리고 potential equipment hire.
- Brief students on studio etiquette 그리고 안전—closed-toe shoes, gloves, 그리고 awareness of kiln 그리고 furnace areas.
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In summary, the Manor Church of Engl그리고 Academy team turned a classroom brief into a tangible product through creative thinking 그리고 a productive studio visit. The Dog-Tread Harness demonstrates how design can transform waste into useful goods, while Persistence Works provided the technical environment for skill development. For organisers planning similar trips, consider exact transfer needs—taxi or minibus, airport or city pickup, number of seats, 그리고 luggage space—so the service, driver, 그리고 vehicle match your fare 그리고 schedule requirements. With clear pricing, vehicle details, 그리고 driver ratings available, platforms like GetTransfer simplify how much you’ll pay 그리고 what to expect, helping you book the best private or shared transfer, whether a cab, limousine, or multi-seater. This makes it easier to get to your destination on time 그리고 focus on the creative work that matters.


