Derby Museums invites visitors to discover the surprising journey of wool in Field to Fashion, a new exhibition opening at the Museum of Making on 24 April.
Exploring how raw British fleece becomes the clothes we wear every day, Field to Fashion brings together farmers, designers, artists and makers to reveal the people, processes and creativity behind wool. From traditional skills such as shearing, spinning and dyeing to contemporary fashion and sustainable design, the exhibition uncovers how materials are transformed, and why it matters today.
Through fine art installations, work by graduate artists and local students, and interactive displays, visitors are invited to experience the unique qualities of wool and consider its role in a more sustainable future.
The exhibition was made possible thanks to a grant of £45,000 from Art Fund’s Reimagine programme, designed to inspire creativity and increase stability and resilience in museums. Field to Fashion responds directly to visitor feedback and builds on the Museum of Making’s heritage as a former Silk Mill, with a renewed focus on textiles and sustainable fashion.
The project has also supported a wide-ranging programme of workshops, talks and events co-produced with young people, schools, industry partners, makers and community groups. Activities have taken participants behind the scenes of textile production, exploring everything from material construction, design and manufacturing to the environmental impact of fashion.
The project has inspired curiosity and creativity through hands-on STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics), encouraging people of all ages to think differently about what they wear and where it comes from.
A particular highlight of the exhibition is the outcome of a collaborative uniform design project. The initial project concept by Abigail Wastie, at Thread of Life, and Jess Mcguire-Dudley, at John Smedley, was developed and designed with the learning team at Derby Museums and the wider design team at John Smedley. Working with GCSE Textile students from a local school, the project introduced a live brief to explore the possibilities of returning to using wool as a viable material choice for a school uniform jumper. Additional support came from industry partners British Wool and Laxtons.
The Field to Fashion project has culminated in the exhibition at the Museum of Making, showcasing practical ideas and creative responses to the desire for sustainable fashion, and empowering visitors to get hands-on with British wool and make more informed choices.
Jess Mcguire-Dudley, Managing Director at John Smedley, said:
“We are incredibly proud to have partnered with Derby Museums on this meaningful project, which has taken students on a remarkable journey from field to fashion. Having now created their own British wool school jumpers, each student has experienced first-hand the craftsmanship, care and heritage behind every garment. From understanding the origins of British wool to exploring yarn creation and the manufacturing processes within John Smedley’s historic Derbyshire mill, the programme has offered a truly immersive education. It has not only brought the story of British wool to life, but also inspired a new appreciation for quality, sustainability and the enduring skills that define the UK’s textile and manufacturing industries.”
Charlotte Convey, Head of Learning at Derby Museums, said:
“This exhibition is a culmination of a year-long programme that has invited us to respond to our visitor’s requests to make, mend and adapt by delivering workshops, courses and talks from artists, makers, industry partners and academics. These activities have introduced us to new ideas and accessible research that highlights important and at risk Heritage skills and Crafts in contemporary ways. We hope this exhibition gives you a taste of what we have discovered and the changing trends people are making and considering in their lifestyle choices.”
Field to Fashion opens at the Museum of Making on 24 April. It is free to enter, with donations encouraged through a ‘Give What You Think’ ask.
To find out more, visit derbymuseums.org/event/field-to-fashion-exhibition.
