Robin Johnson sits down with sisters Clara and Rose Prince to discuss studying furniture making and textile design, navigating creative careers, and building a future in craft. Clara studies furniture making at West Dean College while Rose focuses on weaving and textiles at Chelsea College. They speak openly about the realities of creative education, student debt, apprenticeships, networking, exhibitions, and the pressure of entering industries where practical skills matter more than academic status. The conversation also explores collaboration, British manufacturing, women in craft industries, and why hands on work still matters in a digital world.

Key Topics Covered:

• Studying furniture making at West Dean College
• Learning weaving and textile design at Chelsea College
• Women entering male dominated craft industries
• Networking and building industry relationships through exhibitions
• Starting a creative career after university
• The reality of running a craft business
• Creative collaboration between furniture and textiles
• The financial pressure of university and student debt
• Why apprenticeships deserve more attention
• British manufacturing and sustainable production
• Using textiles to support dementia care and cognitive health
• Balancing creative ambition with practical industry experience

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Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

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Key Moments:

00:00 Introduction to Clara and Rose Prince

00:43 Growing up in a creative and hands on family

02:22 Women entering furniture making and textile design

04:48 Supporting each other through creative education

05:53 Exhibitions and presenting work publicly

07:56 How university prepares students for industry

09:32 Plans after graduation and gaining industry experience

12:19 Collaboration ideas and future business ambitions

17:52 Balancing business goals with personal ambitions

21:43 Family influence and inherited craftsmanship

22:54 The cost of university and creative education

23:10 Apprenticeships versus university pathways

26:31 Textiles, dementia care, and cognitive health

29:23 British manufacturing and preserving craft industries

46:48 Advice to their younger selves