Transformation and challenge in materials and objects

Materials and objects are never silent.

In this session we will collectively examine objects and materials from the CSM Museum & Study Collection and Materials Library to better understand the potentially transformative nature of material cultures and practices.

Looking at range of materials, from pineapple, olives, mycelium and hair (keratin), we will see understand how cultural, environmental, social and economic issues can be brought out through close examination of materiality in context. Attendees will each get the chance to handle these materials, learning more about their uses, transformations, and. histories.

Together, we'll also make a zine responding to the Earth Week theme of Fault Lines, by examining some of the critical faults, or conditions for repair that objects and materials in our collections might contain.

This session is open to all staff and students at the University of the Arts London. It will be co-led by Sarah Campbell, Curriculum Development Curator at the CSM Museum & Study Collection and Billie Coxhead, Materials and Products Coordinator of the LCF and CSM Materials Libraries.

This session is organised as part ofFault Lines, the University of the Arts London's Earth Week programme for 2026.