Exhibitions – Page 2 – Knitting History Forum

Fully Fashioned: 200 Years of Pringle of Scotland

Published February 25, 2015 in Events Exhibitions

Pringle of Scotland marks its bicentenary this year with a new exhibition. “Fully Fashioned: The Pringle of Scotland Story” is at London’s Serpentine Gallery for a short preview coinciding with Pringle’s show during London Fashion week. Featuring surviving knitwear from Scottish museums, photographs and items from private collections and the firm’s archives, the exhibition traces the company’s history from its origins in 1815, when Robert Pringle began manufacturing hosiery and underwear in Hawick, to its current position as a international knitwear brand.

1907 Pringle of Scotland Sales Image — 1958 Pringle of Scotland Advertisement

The company was a leading proponent of knitwear’s move into fashionable outerwear and in the twentieth century became known for luxury knitting, particularly sportswear emblazoned with the distinctive Pringle Argyle pattern, as popularised by Edward, Prince of Wales. Included in the exhibition are items from the twentieth century as well as early Pringle knitted underwear and more recent pieces, such as a handknit with 3D print elements from the Autumn/Winter 2014 campaign.

The Michael Clark Dance Company has collaborated with Pringle to produce Knitwear | Movement, three short films ‘animating’ this history, while Alfred Watson was commissioned for their 200th anniversary marketing campaign, combining Pringle designs with the Scottish landscape. The films and photographs are also shown in the exhibition.

Following the preview in London, “Fully Fashioned: The Pringle of Scotland Story” will subsequently tour the US and Asia, before heading back over the border to the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, where it opens to the public from Friday April 10 to Sunday August 16 2015.

– http://www.nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-scotland/whats-on/fully-fashioned/
– http://www.harpersbazaar.co.uk/fashion/fashion-news/pringle-celebrates-200-years-with-new-exhibition
– http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2015/02/24/pringle-of-scotland-london-exhibition-preview

Top image credit: Amy Barton

“Knitwear Has Become Interesting” – Visionary Knitwear at the Fashion and Textile Museum

Published September 27, 2014 in Exhibitions

According to the Fashion and Textile Museum in Bermondsey, one unnamed journalist said “knitwear has become interesting”. This is hardly news to students of knitting history. Knitting constantly evolves, develops and surprises.

The thoughtful, intelligent selection on display in the mezzanine gallery at the Fashion and Textile Museum in Bermondsey is proof, if proof were needed, that knitting is not only relevant now but at the forefront of design and technological development. ‘Visionary Knitwear – new directions’ is guest-curated by our very own Sandy Black, Chair of the Knitting History Forum and Professor of Fashion and Textile Design and Technology of the London College of Fashion. ‘Visionary Knitwear’ showcases contemporary knitting design at its best: innovative, bold, sophisticated and subversive.

Exploring the work both of established designers and recent graduates, all of whom have studied in the UK, the exhibit also highlights the influence of UK design education on knitwear in the global fashion industry. Of the designers featured, Juliana Sissons gave a presentation at the Knitting History Forum Conference in 2011, while Amy Twigger Holroyd will be speaking at the 2015 KHF Conference this November. Head of the Fashion and Textile Museum, Celia Joicey said, “The Museum is privileged to be working with the globally respected academic and designer Sandy Black to highlight the most exciting aesthetic and technical developments. Her expertise and keen eye provide a snapshot of why contemporary knitwear is so exciting.”

“knitwear has become interesting”

‘Visionary Knitwear – new directions’ complements the museum’s main exhibition, ‘Knitwear Chanel to Westwood‘ and ends similarly on 18 January 2015. Don’t miss it.

http://ftmlondon.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/KNITWEAR-VISIONARY-press-release.pdf

KNITWEAR Chanel to Westwood

Published September 26, 2014 in Collections Exhibitions

The exhibition ‘KNITWEAR Chanel to Westwood’ is now at the Fashion and Textile Museum in London. Curated by Mark and Cleo Butterfield, this exhibition views twentieth century knitting through the lens of their personal collection. The exhibits are nearly all drawn from their archive and cover everyday handknits to high fashion, including early swimwear, 1960s crochet, punk, WWII, folk designs, Pop Art novelty knits, 1980s clubwear and knitted couture from the 1920s to 1990s. A separate, complementary display of 21st century knitwear, ‘Visionary Knitwear – new directions’, is being staged in the mezzanine gallery.

Open from now until 18 January 2015, tickets can booked in advance or purchased at the door. More information available on the F&TM Facebook page or their website http://ftmlondon.org/

KAFFE 2014 – The Colourful World of Kaffe Fassett

Published March 21, 2014 in Exhibitions

Kaffe Fassett celebrates 50 years of art and design with “KAFFE 2014 – The Colourful World of Kaffe Fassett” at the American Museum in Britain, the decorative arts museum in Bath. This exhibition showcases the work of the artist and designer best known for his use of colour. Exhibits include a variety of textiles, including quilts, needlepoint and beadwork as well as knitting, in addition to visual artworks by Fassett.

The exhibition runs until 2 November 2014. More information, including a video and preview, is available from the museum website http://americanmuseum.org/about-the-museum/current-exhibitions/kaffe-2014-the-colourful-world-of-kaffe-fassett/