More areas:
On speaking with Stef Miero at Textiel Lab, the other areas that are key to the
museum are the laser cutter which is a tool of increased interest and demand.
The knitting area which had a range of small circular knitting devices and several
long knit machines and tubular yarn machine. Again all were in use and there
were lots of examples of completed commissions alongside the machines to show
visitors what was possible and the range of work that is done within the Lab.
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| circular knitting machines. |
I was intrigued by the tufting area as I haven’t seen carpet
looms up close before. The walls were shelved with cones and cones of wool of a
myriad of hues, a perfect palette of shading from one colour to the next. Samples
of what was possible were on the loom and along the side of the space. Once
again the visitor was encouraged to look, engage and touch. This approach enables visitors to have a greater
understanding of the textile and the maker and the skills and time needed to
create.
There is a printed textiles area but there was a fine layer
of dust around all the equipment. This was a skill that hasn’t been in such
demand so for the moment is moth balled, showing the importance of adaptability
and maximising resources.
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| mid production |
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| explanation of manufacture |
The other area that made me think of making and looking at
new ways to work was the passementerie. Located at the back of
Gallery 2, near the finishing machines, it included a range of small braiding
machines and large braiding looms. The diversity of threads that could be used
and the potential to create new textures, properties and opportunities for
braid was exciting. I began leaping into hat making and creating new braid to
replace straw which is difficult to obtain. The joy of museum and archive
inspiration. Something new drawn from reflecting on past heritage, creating new
possibilities.
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