Abstract
This case study discusses a curatorial collaboration, which took place between Leeds Arts University and Bankfield Museum (Halifax). Both are situated within Yorkshire, a northern region in the UK. Fashion exhibitions in the UK tend to be London-centric, which can hinder engagement with, and access to, educational and inspirational resources within a museum context. The aim of the research project was to foster a sense of belonging in students and aspiring northern fashion creatives connected to the area by exploring the impact of the region on contemporary fashion. Drawing on themes such as the textile industry, landscape, and regional diasporic communities, lecturers worked with the museum to create a mutual curatorial dialogue by positioning archival pieces alongside contemporary garments, illustrations, artefacts, and fashion media. For example, two Alexander McQueen dresses from the A/W2019 collection ‘Roses’, inspired by the heroines depicted in novels by Emily and Charlotte Bronte were displayed next to a regional 1850’s silk day dress from the archive reminiscent of the Bronte era. The research project culminated in a free public 5-month exhibition at Bankfield Museum, ‘Belonging: Fashion and A Sense of Place’, which took place between September 2021 and March 2022. This was the first time that the museum has collaborated with a university to showcase contemporary fashion within its fashion gallery. The exhibition attracted 9503 visitors, consisting of various educational groups and members of the general public whilst national and local media platforms and publications circulated the project to a wider audience.
Presenters
Nicola KnightCourse Leader, Fashion Design, Leeds Arts University, Leeds, United Kingdom Janie Tweddle
Senior Lecturer, Fashion, Leeds Arts University, United Kingdom
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
BELONGING, CURATION, FASHION, COLLABORATION, PEDAGOGY, MUSEUM ARCHIVE, EDUCATION
Digital Media
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