Meet the creatives.
Jonathan Andrew Burniston
Jonathan is a costume cutter, maker, designer and teacher. So far in his career he has worked in TV, film, theatre fashion and live events. His work has appeared in Disney, Netflix, Paramount, BBC, West End, Broadway and many more productions. Such as Cruella, Star Wars, Wednesday, Aladdin, Cabaret at the KitKat Club and the Book of Mormon. He works annually on the MTV EMA awards and has made costumes for other live concerts, for the likes of Kylie Minogue and Beyonce.
Throughout this time he has taught at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, and provided 1 to 1 feedback for students entering the industry.
Most recently he set up ‘The Manchester School of Costume’ to help teach a growing popularity in costume making.
He is based in Manchester and London, and continues to work in industry while running the school.
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Amanda Thomas
Amanda is a highly skilled miniature costume maker with over 25 years of experience in the Stop-Motion Animation industry. Her expertise has contributed to iconic films such as Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride, Frankenweenie, and Beetlejuice; Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox and Isle of Dogs; Guillermo del Toro’s Oscar and BAFTA winning Pinocchio; as well as numerous commercials and beloved children’s TV programs, including The Clangers. Most recently, she crafted a costume for a marionette featured in a short film by the luxury fashion brand Loewe.
Amanda’s exceptional talent in intricate pattern cutting has also led to commissions for bespoke plush toys. One of these designs has been mass-produced for The Herdy Company in the Lake District, while another is currently in production.
In the past year, Amanda has been sharing her passion and extensive knowledge of costume and puppet-making through talks and masterclasses at universities and theatres across the UK. Her engaging sessions, rooted in her decades of experience, have drawn students not only from the UK but also from countries like Italy and France. Amanda’s enthusiasm for teaching and mentoring continues to grow, inspiring the next generation of makers with her patience and dedication.
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Jonathan Booth
Jonathan is an accomplished needle felting artist and dedicated teacher known for his expertise in transforming wool into lifelike, character-rich sculptures. With a passion for the natural world and a keen eye for detail, Jonathan brings animals and whimsical creatures to life through the art of needle felting, skilfully blending creativity and precision in every piece. Over the years, Jonathan has honed his techniques and developed a unique style that captures the essence and personality of each subject, whether it’s a beloved pet, a woodland animal, or an imaginative creature. As a teacher, he is both patient and enthusiastic, guiding students of all skill levels through the nuances of needle felting and inspiring them to discover their own artistic potential.
For work Click Here