Lesley Raven

Lesley Raven is a Senior Lecturer at the Manchester Fashion Institute, Manchester Metropolitan University, with over two decades of experience in arts higher education. She specializes in fashion communication, reflective practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration across design, fine art, and occupational therapy domains.

Her academic qualifications include a Doctorate in Education (2014–2025), PGCE in post-compulsory education (2009–2012), Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Therapy (2004–2006), and MA in Fine Art Tapestry (1992–1994). Prior affiliations include London College of Fashion, Salford University, and London Metropolitan University.

• Fashion Art Direction program founder
• SRHE member
• Collaborative projects with Textbook Studio and Crafts Council

Her research focuses on reflective practice as a transformative methodology, demonstrated through projects like Drawing Practice (2019) and Wearing Practice (2023), which explore visual epistemology and interdisciplinary skill development.

• Awards
  • UAL Sustainability Award (2013)
  • Green Gown Award Nomination
  • CLTaD Curriculum Development Award
  • UAL Teaching & Professional Fellowship

Notable collaborations include Unit X at Manchester School of Art and community projects with St. Joseph’s Hospice Hackney. Her work bridges fashion education, sustainability, and public engagement through exhibitions like Radical Response (2019) and Made in Translation (2017).