The Knitting Salon 

 

Craftivism: Objects to Change the World

The Shipley Art Gallery, Gateshead

10 July to 7 November 2010

 

This exhibition combines historical and contemporary craft (in Gallery B) and craftivism (in Gallery C) to reflect the different ways in which craft has been valued as a powerful force for social, political and personal change over the past 150 years. 

 

For the exhibition The Knitting Salon project is represented in Gallery C by Salon Bench Newcastle-Gateshead alongside a resource trolley for visitors to use to make Salon Bench The Shipley.

 

During the exhibition visitors can book a one-to-one session with an experienced knitter - for more information of how to book an appointment call The Shipley Art Gallery on (0191) 477 1495 

 

On 27 August a full touring version of The Knitting Salon will be part of a Lates event at The Shipley.  Eight Salon Benches will be animated by local knitters who will be offering to share their knitting and crafting skills with the public. 

 

Craftivism (craft + activism) is a term used to describe craft that is made with the aim of challenging and changing the way in which we live. 

 

The past decade has seen an increase in non-professional craftspeople using traditional craft materials and techniques to engage with global and local issues.  The focus of craftivism is not on the production of a beautifully crafted object but on the process of making.  It is in the action of making that the individual or group become activists for community building, alternatives to mass production and a slower pace of life.

 

Today professional craftspeople too are making craft that subverts familiar forms and techniques to comment critically on contemporary society.

 

Although craftivism i s a new term, craft has been used as a vehicle of reform since the 19th century.  Augustus Pugin and William Morris can be considered as the first craft activists, making craft as a direct response to the effects of the industrial revolution.  

The design and construction of The Knitting Salon was produced with support from Craftspace.