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Meet Our Dedicated Trustees
The i-dott Surface Pattern Design Competition is guided and supported by a dedicated Board of Trustees who provide strategic leadership, governance and oversight for the organisation. Their commitment ensures that the competition remains true to its mission of supporting emerging talent and promoting excellence across the wallcoverings, textiles and surface pattern design industries.
Drawing on a wealth of experience from industry, education and business, our trustees help shape the direction of i-dott, championing opportunities for designers while fostering collaboration between academia and industry. Their guidance helps create a sustainable platform that encourages creativity, innovation and professional development.
We are proud to introduce our trustees and thank them for their invaluable contribution, leadership and continued commitment to inspiring and supporting the next generation of surface pattern designers.
Abigail Watson, Creative Director, The Surface Print Company (Chair of Trustees)
Abigail Watson is Creative Director at Surface Print, the Lancashire-based manufacturer renowned for producing exceptional wallpapers for some of the world’s most prestigious luxury interior design houses. Surface Print is globally recognised for its mastery of the heritage craft of Surface Printing, the traditional technique from which the company takes its name and one of the most distinctive and authentic methods of wallpaper production still in use today.
As a fourth-generation member of a family deeply rooted in the wallpaper industry, Abigail’s connection to the craft began from an early age. Growing up immersed in the family business, she developed a natural appreciation for design and creativity, leading her to pursue a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design before earning a degree in Interior Design. After gaining valuable experience working within the interiors industry, she joined Surface Print in 2012.
Over the past decade, Abigail has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s creative vision and collaborating with market leading interior brands across the globe. Her extensive industry knowledge, combined with a deep respect for traditional craftsmanship, has helped strengthen Surface Print’s reputation as a world leader in luxury wallpaper production.
Alongside her professional achievements, Abigail is passionate about nurturing the next generation of creative talent. As Chair of the i-dott charity, she champions emerging designers, helping to create opportunities, foster innovation, and support young people in pursuing careers within the creative industries. Her commitment to both heritage craftsmanship and future talent reflect her dedication to ensuring the continued success and development of the design sector.
Our message to aspiring designers is simple:
If you don’t try, you’ll never know. Be courageous, embrace every opportunity, and put your ideas out there. You never know where your creativity can take you or who might see potential in your work. Sometimes all it takes is one idea, one opportunity, or one person who believes in you to ignite the spark that changes everything
Nick Westhead, Finance Director, The Surface Print Company (Charity Treasurer & Trustee)
As Treasurer and Trustee, I oversee the charity’s financial management, maintaining accurate financial records, monitoring income and expenditure, preparing accounts and financial reports, and ensuring the charity meets its financial and regulatory obligations. I support the board in making informed financial decisions and help ensure the charity’s funds are managed responsibly and sustainably.
Helen Cooke, Sales Manager Nonwovens Ahlstrom (Charity Trustee)
Helen is a Sales Manager for Ahlstrom, the global leader in fibre-based speciality materials. Ahlstrom manufacture and supply nonwoven substrates to wallcoverings printers in every continent across the globe. Helen has worked in the wallcoverings sector for almost 25 years and feels passionately about the design, quality of materials and craftmanship that goes into creating many of the beautiful wallcoverings we see.
The right design can literally transform any environment from drab to dramatic, from cold to cosy, from depressing to uplifting. It can be a talking point when you enter a room, injecting personality and individuality into any space. That’s why we need to encourage young design talent with fresh new ideas to join us in this wonderfully creative industry, to share new concepts and visions for wallcoverings both now and into the future. I’m excited to see the design entries for the annual i-dott competition and look forward to seeing the winning designs turned into beautiful wallpaper.
Debbie McKeegan, CEO & Founder of TexIntel (Charity Trustee)
Debbie McKeegan is CEO and Founder of TexIntel, a global textile industry platform providing specialist insight, consultancy, and education across textile manufacturing, digital printing, sustainability, and innovation. With more than 30 years’ experience spanning textile design, manufacturing, product development, technology, marketing, and business strategy, Debbie has worked with leading international brands, manufacturers, and industry organisations. As a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (FCIM) and FESPA Textile Ambassador, she is widely recognised for her contribution to digital textile innovation and sustainable manufacturing. Passionate about education and mentoring, Debbie joined idott as a Trustee to help nurture emerging talent, create pathways into the industry, and ensure the next generation of designers has the confidence, skills, and opportunities to succeed.