The Textile Sun: Exploring structure and connection through materiality

Since time began, civilizations have tracked, worshipped and celebrated the sun. Across the world the Sun has structured our calendars, playing a role in rituals, religions and cultures. It is a source of inspiration in many art forms whilst also being something we know very little about.

In this project, we will come together to explore the power of the sun through textile processes, research and creative experimentation. We will reflect on our personal connections to the sun, sharing ideas and exploring how we can interpret and respond to research creatively through textiles. Working alongside LCF’s expert creatives, you will draw inspiration from a range of research and archive materials, from poetry and illustrations to real data recordings and imagery captured through current space research, using these to inform your creative responses to the sun.

This project is in collaboration with University College London’s upcoming 200th anniversary celebrations at UCL Marshgate. The UCL200 Closing Celebration, UCL Horizons, will bring together students, staff, alumni, partners and local communities at UCL East to reflect on a landmark year and look ahead to UCL’s third century.

Image Credit: Image from ‘Astronomical and Religious Treatises’, MS LAT 17, UCL Special Collections

This event is open to the public, students and staff at LCF, and other East Bank institutions. Registration and availability to attend all three workshops is required, see below for full details.

Wednesday 18th November

10:00-13:00 at London College of Fashion

Exploring the sun – an introduction, discussion and print making using Cyanotype

Wednesday 25th November

10:00-12:00 at London College of Fashion

Exploring connection – Using embroidery and applique to express ideas and thoughts onto our prints

Wednesday 2nd December

12:00-15:00 at University College London, Marshgate

Collective – You are invited to stitch panels together in an open community workshop where anyone can join us to add to the textile before it is hung at UCL*

*This event will be followed by an evening of celebration and entertainment at UCL which you will be welcome to join.

Rachelle (Shelle) Taylor, 2022 BA (Hons) Fashion Textiles Embroidery, London College of Fashion, UAL | Photograph: Ben Turner