Outsider art refers to work created outside the boundaries of traditional or mainstream culture—art that springs from raw, untrained, and often deeply personal expression. It is made by individuals who typically have no formal artistic education and who exist outside the established art world due to mental illness, isolation, poverty, or a conscious rejection of… Read More outsider art: creativity beyond the margins
Textiles have always been more than just practical items—they are vessels of memory, emotion, and sensory experience. Throughout history, fabrics have been crafted not only to serve functional purposes but also to provide comfort, stimulate the senses, and express cultural identity. Today, with a growing interest in wellness, sensory design, and sustainable living, designers and… Read More how sensory textiles can be inspired by historical techniques
There’s something so evocative about the phrase “threads of memory.” I love how it captures the way fabric can hold stories, a narrative—whether it’s a scrap of cloth from a loved one’s garment or a hand-stitched detail that has been passed down through generations. It reminds me that textiles are not just materials; they’re keepers… Read More threads of memory: the connection between storytelling textiles & heritage-driven design
The Ashton family has already been a significant focus of my previous writings, however I do believe it is crucial to look further and contextualise their role in the development of Gee Cross and Hyde, as well as their contribution to the textile industry. The Ashtons were instrumental in shaping the economic and industrial landscape… Read More the growth to gentry for the ashton family
In the bustling markets and narrow streets of 18th and 19th-century Britain, a quiet revolution in clothing was taking place, one not of fashion, but of function. Known as slop clothing, this early form of ready-made apparel clothed sailors, soldiers, and the swelling ranks of industrial workers. Though rarely celebrated, slop clothing played a critical… Read More SLOP CLOTHING: THE ORIGINS OF BRITAIN’S FIRST READY-MADE WARDROBE
As you know (if you follow my blog) I’m deeply fascinated by the Industrial Revolution, especially the textile industry, not only because of its profound impact on Britain, but also due to a personal family connection that inspires me to learn more. This period of dramatic change reshaped both landscapes and lives, driving progress while… Read More Clothing the cotton mill workers: wages, wear, and tradition in industrial britain
When we think of lichens, many of us picture strange, crusty patches on rocks or trees during a woodland walk. But beyond their rugged, quiet existence, lichens are actually biochemical powerhouses with a long history of medicinal use—and growing potential in modern health and wellness. These humble symbiotic organisms, formed from fungi and algae (or… Read More lichens & health: nature’s overlooked pharmacy
When we think of the Industrial Revolution in the North of England, cotton mills and towering chimneys often spring to mind. But behind the scenes, it was water—not just steam—that quietly powered progress. In this post, I’m exploring the fascinating history of Hyde Waterworks and how Manchester Corporation’s hydraulic power system transformed industry, infrastructure, and… Read More hydraulic heritage: hyde waterworks and manchester’s hidden power network
Banana fibre is a sustainable textile derived from banana plant pseudostems, repurposing agricultural waste and minimsing environmental impact. It’s strong, biodegradable, and suitable for clothing, home textiles, and handicrafts. Additionally, it supports sustainable practices with minimal chemical processing and renewable resources, offering unique textures for various applications.… Read More Sustainable Materials: About Banana Fibre
Chapbooks, are small in size but rich in history, they are humble booklets that have played a surprisingly significant role in the spread of literature, folklore, and political ideas for centuries. Originally inexpensive pamphlets were sold by travelling peddlers or “chapmen” from the 16th to the 19th centuries, chapbooks brought stories, songs, poems, and popular… Read More chapbooks: a pocket-sized legacy of literature & culture
Rachel Bakewell 