GMI Talk: Sustainable Materials in Craft
with Dr Peter Oakley and Vicky Putler
Friday 23 June, 2pm - 4pm | The Plot, Plymouth | FREE
Join us for a presentation and open discussion, with Vicky Putler and Dr Peter Oakley, about sustainable materials in the craft industry.
Peter will be discussing the findings from his recent and current AHRC-funded projects: Sustainable Materials in the Creative Industries and Carbon Measurement Tools in the Creative Industries. He will also be reflecting on what decarbonisation means in terms of craft and applied arts practice and how professional practitioners might effectively incorporate a sustainable approach into their current practice
Vicky from The Flax Project will be giving an overview of what The Flax Project is and how it came about; reflecting on a successful run printed textile company (Thorody), hand printing designs onto high quality linen for interiors, to a passion to see the materials used in her craft brought back to production within the UK.
After the presentations/talks there will be ample time for questions. The setting is informal, and the audience will be encouraged to be involved in the discussion.
About the Speakers
Vicky Putler
Project Leader, The Flax Project
Owner, Thorody printed textiles
Experienced textile designer, brand owner and teacher. Skilled in Printmaking, Textiles, Art, and Sketching, Photography and Photoshop. Strong arts and design professional with a 1st class degree and MA from Goldsmiths and a PGCE focused in Art & Design from The Institute of Education, U. of London.
Currently developing the Flax Project, growing flax for fibre in the Tamar Valley and attempting to revive the flax industry.
Dr Peter Oakley
Reader in Material Culture, Royal College of Art
I am Reader in Material Culture and Co-Lead of the Material Engagements Research Cluster (MERC) at the Royal College of Art. I specialise in ethnographic, experiential, and collection-based research focusing on materials, making, and manufacturing, usually for projects relating to the production of luxury goods, prestige artefacts, or artworks.
My research interests cover: the gold jewellery industry and its supply chains; contemporary applications of traditional craft techniques and skills; the preservation, management and presentation of industrial heritage sites; and the adoption of new manufacturing and management technologies and circular economy principles across the creative industries. I have undertaken fieldwork in Alaska, California, China, Kazakhstan, New Mexico, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, and across the UK.
Over the past decade my research has become increasingly focused on identifying, supporting, and promoting more sustainable creative practice. This has involved managing research teams with diverse expertise, relating to different creative or academic disciplines. I am currently leading an AHRC-funded project, 'Carbon Measurement Tools in the Creative Industries', a rapid evidence assessment for the UK Government's Department for Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS).
About the Venue
The Plot is an alternative shopping arcade on Union Street made into being by the fantastic organisation, Nudge. Inspired by allotments, they are renting out the space patch by patch to local businesses and individuals wo want to grow a great idea that benefits the community and the street.
The Plot is home to 21 small organisations and Jabulani - a fantastic cafe serving Ethiopian and West African food and Rwandan coffee. Come along to the talk early and grab yourself some delicious grub from Jabulani!
The Plot, 80-84 Union Street, PL1 3EZ
