Crafted Futures: A Craft/Technology Collaboration

Abstract

Crafted Futures is a craft/technology visual response to William Gott's Dyehouse Pattern Book produced in 1815 whilst Gott was an apprentice in his father's woolen mill. The work utilized craft practice to explore theories of color contrast, assimilation and optical mixing in color production. In collaboration with print technologist Muriel Rigout, applied craft thinking was employed in the development of the work, tacit knowledge of materials and skill were employed with formal color theory, using textile craft processes and digital print as a modelling tool. The project was important as an example of a craft/technology collaboration, identified as a driver for commercial growth. The success of the project was discussed in terms of individual research outcomes, the success of the visual response and the success of the collaborative process. The work was exhibited at Leeds Industrial Museum, Armley Mills, Leeds, 14th October to 27th November 2016.