The Association of Fashion and Textile Courses (FTC) exists as a United Kingdom (UK) subject association to promote and develop fashion and textiles through academic debate, education, and research. Recently, the Association's archive moved to Nottingham Trent University (NTU), and digitisation has begun. Boxes of folders containing primarily paper documents record aspects of the Association's activities. Initial investigation indicates that the Association was formed in December 1967 as the 'Heads of Diplomas in Art and Design Fashion and Textile Departments', which existed for over a year. However, the group continued to meet when significant issues arose. Ten years later, in November 1977, the 'Association of Heads of Departments of Degree Courses in Textiles/Fashion Design' reconvened at a meeting at St. Martin's School of Art. This period marks the transition of undergraduate art and design courses in the UK from diplomas to degree courses, BA/BA (Hons). Reconvening appears to have been driven by suggestions from industry bodies to connect with the education sector. This paper provides early insights into significant themes arising throughout the Associations history, positioned against the wider evolving higher education context. Discussion surrounding industry collaboration, tensions between writing and practice, graduate shows, postgraduate expansion and developing research cultures seem as relevant today as they were in the early years of the Association. In sharing these insights, we hope to increase understanding surrounding the history of fashion and textiles education, trigger discussion relevant to current issues and connect communities that benefit the wider sector.

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