Company, Place
Company, Place
Textiles
Research, Ongoing
An ongoing practice of textile research and experimentation through large-scale artistic installations. Many of our partners are keen to commission high-impact projects that bring transformational life and colour to large spaces, whilst simultaneously being deeply concerned about waste and pollution.
Standard flags and banners are part of an extremely complex, and opaque, global petrochemical supply chain. Over the past five years, we have developed methods of production outside of this system, giving our partners vastly improved visibility on the making process with added opportunities for local engagement.
Making for Change constructing Bethany Williams flags.
We are particularly interested in the specification of hemp, natural dyes and finishes. Hemp is a high performance material and functions similarly to nylon in temporary outdoor applications, strong, resistant to mold, mildew and insects. Our various installations have been subjected to fairly major weather events, intense UV exposure and gale force winds, throughout the textile itself remains almost as new, with no signs of any wear or tear. Unlike Nylon, hemp is a natural fiber that thrives almost anywhere, with very little impact to the environment, requiring little to no irrigation, pesticides, synthetic fertilizers or GMO seeds.
“Just planting the hemp crop can quickly sequester tons of carbon from the atmosphere. Its long, deep roots help to de-compact the soil and it acts as a strong break crop. The cellulose content within (60-70%) means it is a great, natural alternative for many materials - including a bio-plastic that can decompose, protecting our oceans. More recently millions of people have become aware of the nutritional value in the seeds, and its remarkable cannabidiol (CBD) content that can be extracted from the leaves and flowers.” - Steve Barron founder of Margent Farm
When combined with natural dyes, the colours evolve nicely over time in the sun, chilli pepper reds become bubble gum pinks, lemon yellow soften to buttercream and sagey greens tranistion to sandy tones.
With an increasing demand for everyone to play their part, this work appeals to practitioners across disciplines and career stages, as it provides a supported space to push forward their practice, often offering a ‘career first’.
Always well received in the press, the work appeals to diverse audiences, it’s meaningful yet accessible and there is scope to further develop this way of working.
Company
BUAISOU, Bethany Williams, Lauren Godfrey, Ventura Foreman, Lola Lely, Ceres, Wax Atelier, Alisa Ruzavina, Hayley Caine, Seetal Solanki and Camira Fabrics.
Place
King’s Cross for KCCLP & Related Argent.
Aberfeldy Village LLP, EcoWorld and Poplar Harca.
Photography
Melanie Issaka, Kristian Clark, Yesenia Thibault Picazo and Company, Place.
