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Interweave: exploring society through technology, tools and textiles

01 November 2011 by Joyce Thornton

Interweave, a free one day event exploring society through technology, tools and textiles will be held at the Sackler Centre, Victoria and Albert Museum, London on Thursday 3 November 2011 from 10:30am to 5pm.

The event is organised by Jo Morrison, Digital Projects Director at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design and co-director, Leanne Manfredi from the V&A’s Sackler Centre. The day’s programme offers presentations, hands-on making sessions with artists and engineers as well as an engaging bespoke ‘walkshop’ through the museum’s collection.  Jo Morrison says, “I hope the day will be an insightful, dynamic and convivial adventure – so, all curious people are welcome!”

Interweave will offer an opportunity to look at the ways in which the use of materials, such as jute, nylon, cement and iron, as well as new tools and technologies have re-shaped communities radically. It will also look at what the future challenges are for UK society. Jo explains, “Today’s nanotechnologies, energy harvesting materials and digital communications networks will transform everyday experiences in the 21st century.”

A group of leading designers, social scientists, engineers, and curators are participating in the event and will share some insights from their individual research areas. The programme offers an opportunity to learn how social science research methods are used directly in the design of materials and products. Jo explains, “While these themes may appear extremely specialised, my hope is that by presenting them in an informal and friendly way, people will be equally fascinated and challenged by the work. The day is aimed at all interested people, and I see the ideas and energy of the Interweave audience as being key to the success of the event - whether they wish to actively participate or have a more contemplative experience.”

Talks scheduled for the event include: How Living Technology Will Radically Change the Way We Design Our Everyday, The V&A’s Collection through Technological Change and, Convergence of the Real and Virtual in the City.

All events are free but booking is required. Visit the V&A bookings and information service or call 020 7942 2211.

Venue: Sackler Centre, Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL 
Date: Thursday 3 November 2011 
Time: From 10:30am to 5pm 

Article tags: exhibition (24)

Wearable Art event at Margo Selby

28 October 2011 by Editor

Anne Selby pleated shibori scarf.  Image courtesy of  Nadine Elhage

The Wearable Art event at Margo Selby’s London shop from October 27 until November 4, 2011, is a chance to see and buy pieces from some of the UK’s best textile and jewellery designers. Texprint alumna, Margo will reveal a new range of jackets alongside covetable pieces from 11 specially invited guests: Wallace Sewell, Allison Willoughby, Anne Selby, Carole Waller, Emma Burton, Jane Adam, Lesley Strickland, Makeba Lewis, Liz Clay, Rowena Park and Tammy Child.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Margo Selby store interior

Such an array of respected artists and craftspeople is rarely found in one place, so this is a great opportunity to see their beautiful pieces in close-up, ideal for anyone seeking a special gift in the run-up to the festive season.

Scarves by Wallace Sewell

Among many highlights, wonderful, colourful woven scarves and throws will be available from design duo Wallace Sewell.  Anne Selby’s extravagantly beautiful silk and organza scarves and stoles will also be on sale. Created from her clever use of sophisticated techniques including arashi shibori pleating, hand painting and screen printing, the pieces are unique. Emma Burton’s colourful, contemporary digital prints will also feature at the event - Emma’s range includes clothing, accessories and cushions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bag by Margo Selby

Also included in the wonderfully varied selection are hand painted clothes by artist Carole Waller and jewellery by Jane Adam and Rowena Park.

http://www.margoselby.com/

Wearable Art: October 27 until November 4, 2011

Margo Selby shop opening times

Monday- Saturday 10am – 6pm

4-11 Galen Place,

Pied Bull Court

London WC1A 2JR

Article tags: weave (19), home & interiors (24), exhibition (24), alumni (37)

Texprint at Interstoff Asia Essential, Hong Kong

20 October 2011 by Editor

Trend Seminar given by Texprint Chairman Barbara Kennington

Texprint completed its 2011 exhibition programme with a showcase stand at Hong Kong’s prestigious textile show Interstoff Asia Essential, October 6-8, 2011.

Displaying the work of David Bradley (Body Award), Chloe Hamblin (Colour Award), Emma Shipley (Pattern Award), and Harriet Toogood (Space Award and Woolmark Texprint Award in support of Campaign for Wool), it proved a key draw for buyers and designers from China and HK-based manufacturers and brands.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

John Woodruffe, Deputy Trade Commissioner of UK Trade & Investment in Hong Kong, also visited the exhibition.

Texprint has enjoyed a long connection with Messe Frankfurt, having first showed internationally at Interstoff in Frankfurt in 1990. Hong Kong based Wendy Wen, the Director who oversees all Messe Frankfurt's Textile Fairs in Greater China, has for some years been instrumental in bringing Texprint to Interstoff Asia Essential.

To compliment this presentation of design excellence, Texprint’s chairman Barbara Kennington – an internationally-renowned design expert and founding creative director of forecasting site WGSN - presented a seminar during the exhibition on Inspirational Trends in Textiles. Using inspirational images of the innovative design work created by Texprint stars of 2011, she highlighted the key trends emerging in terms of end use, colour and pattern across all disciplines.

“The Hong Kong and China markets are increasingly looking to British textile talent and Interstoff Asia’s invaluable sponsorship means that Texprint designers are able to connect with these exciting markets in a highly credible way” says Kennington.

Article tags: texprint 2011 (31), interstoff asia (3)

Textile highlights from Designersblock, London

16 October 2011 by Joyce Thornton

Claire-Anne O'Brien's stools at Designersblock, London

The Designersblock exhibition has been a ‘must see’ part of the London Design festival since 1998. Working with building owners, “to effectively utilise transitional architectural spaces” the organisers of this exciting showcase chose the wonderful, cavernous, Farmiloe Building in London’s Farringdon for the event in September 2011. Designersblock's exhibitors are of a high calibre, encompassing both established and emerging designers working in product and interior design, with some fascinating work by international university graduates also in the mix.

The work of three ex RCA MA textile graduates at the show was outstanding. Knitting supremo, Claire-Anne O’Brien has created some great, tactile stools. Their distinctive appeal centres on wonderful textures, vibrant yet soft colour and comforting surfaces.

Imogen Luddy, table, textiles and tableware.

Imogen Luddy’s clever, contemporary pieces span furniture, lighting and ceramics. Although Imogen is inspired by old craft processes, her vision is firmly rooted in the present. A wonderfully decorative, ‘cross stitch’ laser cut steel table was the centrepiece of her display.

Fay McCaul, cushions

Fay McCaul describes her work as “architectural textiles”. She uses the craft of knitting to create highly individual pieces. A great, large scale knitted lighting installation dominated her space, but her oversized cushions, with intricate, encapsulated Perspex decoration were a highlight. Fay’s version of high-end glamour is fresh and modern.

Jo Gibbs, up-cycled etched table

Jo Gibbs, a recent MA Textile graduate from Chelsea College of Art, showed her wonderful up-cycled furniture. Jo has explored new etching techniques on many surfaces – transforming dowdy old discarded tables, chairs and mirrors into decorative objects of desire.

Jo Gibbs, re-claimed, etched slate tiles

Jo worked for many years as a textile designer for fashion but is now fired with her passion to re-use existing products, working towards a more sustainable and creative future.

Maria Sandberg's 'Biotopia' carpet

Finally, also looking to a sustainable future, young Swedish designer, Maria Sandberg’s project 'Biotopia' resulted in a hand-dyed, hand-knotted carpet created from wool and nettle yarns. Her aim is to use materials that reduce the use of chemicals in the environment, with her vision of future sustainable textile design being, “where nature and high technology live in symbiosis." Maria’s work is part of an annual travelling exhibition, Ung8, which celebrates innovative, youthful creativity.

info@claireanneobrien.com

http://www.imogenluddy.com

imogenluddy@yahoo.co.uk

http://www.faymccaul.com

fay.mccaul@network.rca.ac.uk

http://www.upcycledbyjogibbs.com/Up_by_Jo_Gibbs/Welcome.html

http://www.verydesignersblock.com/2009/2011/08/01/ung8-at-designersblock-london-2011/

Article tags: exhibition (24)