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

This piece reveals how Manor Church of England Academy’s students translated a V&A Innovate brief into a working prototype during a hands-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 and technical insight as the group toured specialist ateliers and met established makers.

Highlights of the visit

• Discussion with designer Giles Grover about scaling and refinement.
• Meet-and-talk sessions with silversmiths Morvarid Alavifard 和 Shinta Nakajima, sharing practical craft skills and career insights.
• Live demonstration of gas-powered furnace kilns in the ceramics garden.
• Hands-on time developing the recycled-tyre prototype under studio supervision.

Visit outcomes at a glance

Design choices and next steps

Students explained their thought process for the simple but effective figure-8 harness and explored adaptations for different dog sizes. Conversations about scaling the piece into multiple sizes—and even speculative ideas about a cat-friendly version—showed the team’s curiosity and willingness to iterate. Under guidance, they refined attachment points and comfort features while considering the lifecycle benefits of upcycled tyre rubber.

Practical considerations for prototyping

• Material handling: safe cutting and bonding techniques for tyre rubber.
• Sizing protocol: templates for small, medium and large animals.
• Testing: wear trials and pressure-distribution checks for dog comfort.
• Visibility: adding reflective elements for night safety.

Why studio exposure matters for young designers

Visiting working studios gives students a realistic view of professional practice: from health and safety to business questions like work experience and pay. Interaction with practicing designers and makers accelerates learning and introduces networks that can support future projects. For school coordinators arranging similar trips, reliable transport and 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 and confirm drop-off locations and timings with the studio.
• Choose an appropriate vehicle depending on group size—consider 7-seater or minibus for equipment and students.
• Carry essential documentation: parental consent forms, insurance details, and emergency contacts.
• Budget for extras: parking, coach drop-off fees, and potential equipment hire.
• Brief students on studio etiquette and 安全—closed-toe shoes, gloves, and awareness of kiln and furnace areas.

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The studio visit is modest in its global tourism impact, but it is very meaningful for local creative education and community engagement. Such hands-on events can encourage young people to travel for learning and contribute to creative tourism in regional cities. While this is not a headline change to the international travel map, it matters for school trips and cultural tourism—areas where GetTransfer aims to stay current and support organisers with reliable options. Highlights of this design journey include sustainability-driven innovation, cross-discipline mentorship, and practical prototyping experience, yet even the best reviews and most honest feedback can’t replace first-hand participation. On GetTransfer, you can hire a car with driver from verified providers at reasonable prices. This empowers you to make the most informed decision without unnecessary expenses or disappointments, benefiting from convenient, affordable options and extensive vehicle choices. Book your Ride GetTransfer.com

In summary, the Manor Church of England Academy team turned a classroom brief into a tangible product through creative thinking and 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, and luggage space—so the service, driver, and vehicle match your fare and schedule requirements. With clear pricing, vehicle details, and driver ratings available, platforms like GetTransfer simplify how much you’ll pay and 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 and focus on the creative work that matters.