TEXTILE RENAISSANCE AND REVOLUTION IN BRITAIN

A Yorkshire Textile Renaissance

Tom Heron, Cryséde and Cresta at the birth of Modernism

Textiles in the 1920s – 1940s

An epic tale of two extraordinary figures from the same valley in Yorkshire who were destined to change the world of fashion and design for all time. A story that takes us from the mills of Yorkshire in the 1920s to the coast of Cornwall. From Welwyn Garden City to the corridors of power at Westminster. Art, design, textiles, fashion, politics, publishing, philosophy, and the very genesis of modern art in Britain. This lecture tells the story of creativity, determination, passion, and resilience of a true textile Maverik.

The Post War Textile Visionaries of Modern Art: Ascher

Textiles in the 1940s – 1960s

Post war, the world of fashion, interiors and modern art fused with dynamic results. Czech emigres Zika and Lida Ascher through fashion brought modern art onto the street. From Matisse and the flamboyant Parisian modernists to the cutting edge of British Modern Art, this lecture considers the role fashion and textiles played in democratising modern art in the post war era.

Textile Revolution: Post War Female Designers

Textiles 1950s – 70s

The history of Britain is intricately woven with the history of textiles. Following World War II there was a desire for change, colour, and inspiration in the home. This energy and innovation was led by female textile designers destined to revolutionise design internationally for decades to come. This lecture celebrates their vision, their influences and their determination that successfully brought modern and contemporary art into the home through their designs and thereby democratising modern art for the first time by making it literally a part of the furniture.