Last week saw a trip to the lovely Whitley Bay to yet again explore the murky theme of textile waste. In reality it was a chance for the TT Team to come together to investigate how we may further engage with this topic.
Dr Clare Hussey, Shirley Maclauchlan and myself told stories of our own experience, and explored our common threads, all under the watchful eye of Dr Emma Jeffries who made sure we didn't stray too far off topic.
Dr Clare of I love factories - and believe me she does - spoke of her first hand experience in industry, and the dismantling of several much loved Northern enterprises. Shirley Mclauchlin spoke of the need to preserve and pass down traditional handskills, and the important role of Designers as part of the solution, while I shared stories from my Upcycling escapades - blankets being made into School Coats and Pyjama Factory off cuts being made into Rag Rugs by children to "keep them busy" over the winter season. Chinese Medicine, Social Philanthropy and party boats all made an appearance, but as ever seemingly disparate topics all came together to form a cohesive whole.
What arose was the desire to hold the tension between observable ancient wisdom, knowledge that extends beyond a single lifetime and the desire for fast paced innovation and its resulting obsolescence (man and materials). Perhaps serving as a counterpoint to one another.
I was thrilled to work with Dr Emma Jeffries (Design Doctor) who spoke of her latest planned adventure "Compassion in the Workplace World Tour" but until the research and eventual book release, I will be leafing my way through her previous published "World Tour" and accompanying book Design Transitions, on how Design is evolving globally.
The two day odyssey was finished off with a bag of chips and cheese patties at the harbour ... YUM !
Feeling excited and encouraged to keep going on this journey with such inspiring companions !