56 – Geoffrey
Artist: Joelle Harris
Sponsor: Science Museum London
Location: Science Museum, London, SW7 2DD
About the Design:
Geoffrey de Havilland, lepidopterist and designer of the Gipsy Moth, inspired the artist to visit the Shuttleworth Collection to examine biplane construction. Observing how the linen was stitched onto wooden wing ribs allowed the artist to make a connection between technology and textiles; the aerial views reminiscent of fabric pleats.
Imagery of speed and travel were also drawn from Art Deco and Russian Constructivism. The artist explored the juxtaposition of the smooth hardness of the aircraft engineering and the textured soft curves of the moth. The colours used by the Suffragettes, purple for justice, white for purity, and green for hope, provide the overall look of the design.
About the Artist:
Joelle Harris is a 3rd year Textile Design Student at Hull School of Art and Design. An interest in the natural world and the craftsmanship involved in construction of the industrial past inspire her to cultivate high standards of expertise in her specialism. Joelle loves the tactile qualities of textiles and expressing her creativity through messy experimentation. She explores and enjoys how diverse processes such as dye, print and hand stitching sit together in surprising ways. Joelle is concerned about the environmental impact of textile production and strives to use ethically sourced materials wherever possible.
About the Sponsor:
The Science Museum strives to be the best place in the world for people to enjoy science. Its world-class collections form an enduring record of scientific, technological and medical achievements from across the globe.
The Science Museum is part of the Science Museum Group, which also includes the National Railway Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the National Media Museum.