SWANSEA: She went back to study after 18 years — and graduated side by side with her sister

When Sarah Davies decided to go back into education after 18 years away, she knew it would take courage. What she didn’t know was that she’d be walking in on day one next to her sister.

Sarah and Carys Bristowe-Davies, from Swansea, are several years apart in age — but a coincidence saw both apply to UWTSD’s Swansea College of Art in the same year.

Three years later, the sisters have graduated side by side — each with industry recognition to her name.

Their ceremony came as part of UWTSD’s summer graduations, with the Swansea College of Art Class of 2026 also showing their work at the Summer Degree Shows.

“I remember our first day walking in together — and though we didn’t see each other much, it was always nice knowing we were both there,” Sarah said. “It’s been lovely to go through it together and cheer each other on. I’m immensely proud of Carys and I can’t wait to celebrate with her.”

For Sarah, the graduation caps a leap of faith: she returned to study on the BA Surface Pattern and Textiles course to pursue a creative interest she had carried for years, determined to challenge herself and learn new skills.

The gamble paid off quickly. Her course threw her into live industry briefs with brands including Monki, Anglepoise and Laura Ashley — and she won the Laura Ashley brief outright.

That win brought mentorship from the brand and an invitation to its London office, followed by an internship with independent label Elsie & Marj.

“Working on live briefs, particularly with Laura Ashley, helped me understand what’s expected in a professional design role, and gaining that kind of industry experience really built my confidence,” she said.

The honours kept coming: at New Designers in London — the UK’s leading showcase for emerging design talent — Sarah received the Sanderson Loves commendation, recognition from Ashley Wilde Group and Hovia, and a place in AVA Academy’s Top 10 to Watch for 2026. She now plans a career as a freelance designer.

Younger sister Carys took her own winding route to the same stage — taking time after A-levels in Photography and Fine Art to experiment before choosing the college for her BA Photography in the Arts.

Her work — rooted in a childhood fascination with family photo albums — explores memory, emotion and dreamlike imagined worlds, and earned her the Sarah Tierney Award at the Summer Degree Shows, which brings continued studio access and a solo exhibition to come. She hopes to become a clinical photographer.

“The darkroom and film processing facilities were incredible, allowing me to experiment with traditional and alternative processes that are really integral to my work,” Carys said.

On sharing the milestone with her sister, she added: “I’m really proud of her and grateful that we get to share graduation together. It feels really special to reach this point at the same time, and it’s something we can properly celebrate after both working hard over the last few years.”

The pair join a growing crop of south-west Wales art school graduates turning their training into working creative careers.