This is a collection not dissimilar to those found in natural history or anthropological museums. It maps various locations in Britain and Ireland, exemplifying some of the ways that ecology has been the root for traditional cultural practices such as craft, music and folklore.
An integral material to British and Irish culture is wool – these works are predominantly made from this historic material. Hand knitting is the primary making technique for this explorative project.
Heritage wools have been dyed naturally using local plants. Knitted in these site specific wools, specimens and samples come together to form this body of work.
These works have been made with a sense of curiosity and wonder for the abundance of these landscapes. Grounded in principles of anti-globalisation, it ‘looks home’ for the materials we use. The project hopes to inspire the viewer to consider native materials – specifically wool – as an option to sustain local ecological and cultural prosperity.
Dorset Bullock, knitted in heritage wools, dyed with bark
Dye sample wall
Lovers, united by gorse, hand knitted in heritage wools dyed with bark, gorse, onions and iron
Gorse, Flower and thorns, hand knitted in heritage wools, dyed with gorse petals, onions and iron
Fallow Deer, hand knitted in heritage wools, dyed with lichen
Fallow Deer
The Cladoir question, digital photograph and written words
Cerne Abbas chalk giant, hand knitted in heritage wools, dyed with onion and iron