Lecturer in Printed Textiles
Daniel Heath is a lecturer in Printed Textiles at UCA Epsom, where he teaches on both the BA and MA programmes three days a week. With a strong focus on sustainability, Daniel’s work spans across textiles, wallpaper, and hard surfaces, reflecting his commitment to environmentally responsible design. His dedication to sustainability and his innovative approach to design have established him as a leader in the field, both in his professional practice and in his role as an educator at UCA.
Bio
With a strong focus on sustainability, Daniel’s work spans across textiles, wallpaper, and hard surfaces, reflecting his commitment to environmentally responsible design. As an experienced designer and educator, he brings a wealth of industry knowledge to the classroom, guiding students through the complexities of materials and processes integral to printed textiles. Daniel’s practice is rooted in craftsmanship and innovation, often incorporating upcycled materials and traditional techniques to create bespoke, narrative-driven designs.
Daniel Heath is an accomplished designer, lecturer, and practitioner with a deep passion for the craft of making. His commitment to hands-on learning and the importance of direct engagement with students are central to his teaching philosophy. As a lecturer in Printed Textiles at UCA Epsom, Daniel teaches on both the BA and MA programmes, bringing his wealth of experience to guide the next generation of designers. His teaching aims to help students overcome technical challenges, foster innovative thinking, and develop a profound understanding of their craft.
Daniel’s teaching approach is rooted in active participation in the workshop environment. He values observing students as they engage with materials and processes, providing insights that enable him to offer targeted and effective guidance. Whether it’s troubleshooting technical issues, pushing students toward creative breakthroughs, or encouraging deeper thought about their work, Daniel is dedicated to supporting every aspect of his students' learning journey. He also collaborates closely with technical teaching staff to ensure a consistent and supportive learning environment that enhances the development of students' skills and creativity.
Daniel’s journey as a designer began during his final year at the Royal College of Art in 2006, when he received his first significant commission from the architects Retrouvius. This project, involving bespoke wallpaper design, marked the beginning of a successful and multifaceted career. Since then, Daniel has maintained a studio in London, where he has focused on sustainability, craftsmanship, and making. His work is characterised by a commitment to traditional techniques, such as silk-screen printing, combined with a forward-thinking approach to design.
Over the years, Daniel’s work has been exhibited internationally, and he has completed numerous projects for both commercial and residential interiors. His portfolio includes a wide range of design applications, from wallpaper and textiles to hard surfaces and fashion products. Daniel’s designs are known for their intricate, narrative-driven approach, often weaving stories that reference specific times, places, and cultural contexts. This narrative aspect of his work allows him to create designs that are visually striking and rich in meaning and resonance.
Sustainability is a key theme in all aspects of Daniel’s work. He is deeply committed to exploring sustainable materials and processes, often incorporating upcycling and re-appropriation of heritage materials into his designs. This commitment to sustainability is reflected not only in his material choices but also in his overall design approach—prioritising quality, longevity, and environmental responsibility over fleeting trends. Through his work, Daniel aims to contribute to a more sustainable future for the design industry, advocating for practices that respect both the environment and craftsmanship.
Daniel’s expertise in sustainability has also led to appearances on the BBC’s Money for Nothing, where he showcases his talent for transforming discarded items into beautiful, functional pieces. In this series, Daniel demonstrates how materials that might otherwise be considered waste can be reimagined and given new life through thoughtful design. His work on the show highlights the importance of sustainable practices in design and inspires a broader audience to consider the potential of upcycled and reclaimed materials in their own homes.
Sharing his craft with others is something Daniel greatly enjoys, and he has had the privilege of leading workshops and live demonstrations at esteemed institutions worldwide. His teaching engagements include workshops at the V&A, where he shared his expertise with a diverse audience, and live demonstrations at Homo Faber in Venice, an event dedicated to showcasing the best in craftsmanship globally. As a member of the prestigious Art Workers’ Guild, Daniel has developed workshops and participated in residencies at Grizedale Arts, an organisation known for its innovative approach to art and community engagement. A career highlight was visiting Highgrove, the home of HRH Charles III (then HRH Prince of Wales), as part of a collaboration with the estate and Fortnum & Mason. During this visit, Daniel met HRH Charles III and discussed the intersection of traditional craft and contemporary design—a conversation that further reinforced his commitment to sustainability and the preservation of craft traditions.
One of the most significant projects in Daniel’s career was his collaboration with Team GB and DFS to develop a range of fabric prints for the Team GB House in Tokyo. This project involved a narrative exploration of Japanese ukiyo-e, a traditional Japanese art form, combined with the British landscape. The resulting designs served as ‘postcards from home’ for the athletes, providing them with a visual connection to Britain while they competed on the international stage. This concept became particularly poignant during the Covid-19 pandemic, as athletes were forced to compete in isolation, without the support of live crowds. The project exemplified Daniel’s ability to create designs that are both culturally relevant and emotionally resonant.
In addition to his design practice, Daniel has made significant academic contributions through his writing. One of his most notable works is an essay titled ‘Utility to Contemporary: Textiles in the Mid-Century Home,’ published in the book Mid-Century Modern Complete by Dominic Bradbury (Thames & Hudson). This essay, serving as an introduction to the textiles section of the book, allowed Daniel to explore his love of mid-century fabrics and delve into the socio-political factors influencing design during the post-war era. His research involved extensive visits to the British Library, the Heal’s Archive, and the Museum of the Home, where he discovered fascinating parallels between the work of mid-century textile artists and his practice as a bespoke designer and maker.
Daniel’s work has been featured in numerous publications, reflecting his standing within the design community. These include Makers of East London and Work from Shed (Hoxton Mini Press), Quiet Pattern by Abigail Edwards (Clearview), and Repeat Printed Pattern for Interiors by Kate Farley (Bloomsbury). His designs continue to attract attention in exhibitions and the printed press, where they are regularly featured. Daniel remains active in the design community, exhibiting his work several times a year and constantly pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved in the fields of textiles, wallpaper, and surface design.
Through his teaching, design practice, and writing, Daniel Heath continues to inspire and influence the next generation of designers. His work is a testament to the power of craftsmanship, sustainability, and narrative in design, and his contributions to the field will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact.
https://www.danielheath.co.uk/