Memunatu Barrie

Memunatu Barrie set up a collaborative project called Darning Newham with another alumni working with Newham Council’s Newham Heritage Month. Memunatu is a former A Level student at NewVIc. She came from Lister Community School and studied A Levels in Textiles, English Literature, Business Studies and an AS Level in Sociology. She progressed onto study an undergraduate degree at Central Saint Martin’s (University of the Arts London) to study BA (Hons.) Textile (Print) Design where she is currently studying her final year. We caught up with Memunatu to find out a little more on her journey since NewVIc.

What made you apply to NewVIc?

NewVIc was local to me however what really made me decide to go to the college was my experience with the textiles department. That drew me in, I was so impressed with the facilities and the staff working there.

Tell us about your journey from NewVIc to where you are now?

Whilst in my final year at NewVIc, all of my teachers encouraged me to look into the Central Saint Martin’s (UAL) Fashion and Textiles foundation course. I was over the moon when I was accepted onto the foundation course. I swiftly progressed onto the BA Textile Design course where I am currently working on my graduate project.

I have recently organised a project called Darning Newham for Newham Heritage Month with fellow NewVIc alumni Katie May Anderson. We wanted to create a project that could give back to NewVIc in some way, as it was the start of our own creative careers. We ran a competition for NewVIc Art and Design students to design a textile print to be used for Newham Heritage Month 2021 and win a prize of a £250 art shop gift voucher. It was such a rewarding experience to work with the college on a creative collaboration and we were so impressed by the work produced by current students.

How did you get into the position that you are in?

Through hard work, faith and a great support system that encouraged me to keep going forward. When the Newham Heritage Month open call for applications came about, Katie reached out to me, who was in my Textiles class at NewVIc and the Darning Newham project really grew from there.

What are your memories of NewVIc?

Honestly my time at the college just flew by, it was a pivotal time in my education career. I really enjoyed the art and design department and the teachers there, my business studies lessons and meeting some great people. Funnily, the most prominent memory I hold onto about NewVIc is the smell of those delicious and freshly baked cookies from Sid’s Café, and the queues of students that would line up just for those cookies every break and at lunchtimes! I miss those cookies so much, they were the best!

What is your advice for students considering NewVIc and pursuing a career like you?

Just go for it! The teachers and technicians in the art and design department are absolutely amazing at NewVIc. This time in your life passes by so quickly so make the best of it. Work hard, build good relationships and don’t limit yourself or become distracted. You can make it as far as you set your goal, put in your best and have a little faith.

How did you find the teaching at NewVIc? Did it prepare you for your next educational step?

The teaching for every course I was on was honestly so great. In comparison to some other colleges where my friends went to, I feel we were supported very well. All round support was given as well as disciple was in place to keep students in check. Whereas at university you were expected to be so much more independent. I don’t think anyone can be fully prepared for university coming from a college. Once you reach university you just have to learn and adapt to new ways.

What were your next steps after leaving college?

After completing my A Levels at NewVIc, I went onto study a foundation diploma in Fashion and Textiles before studying a BA (Hons.) Textiles (Print) Design at Central saint Martin’s (UAL).

How would you describe yourself before you came to NewVIc?

I was shy and reserved. I knew what I wanted for myself career wise but was unsure how I would get there. I was still shy when I left but NewVIc and the teachers prepared me for university and my professional career.

What are your future plans?

After I graduate from UAL I want work in the textiles industry for a few years. I plan to launch my own luxury textile and fashion brand ‘Barrieatu’. I also want to continue the Darning Newham project to hopefully return next year for Newham Heritage Month 2022! It has been amazing to find such a great collaborative partnership with Katie and to work with NewVIc again, I hope that we can continue to work together in the future. I share lots of my work on instagram @memuna2barrie @barrieatu for those who want to get a sense of my current work and where I plan to go.