Flockage :  the flock phenomenon                                                                           

An exhibition and symposium that explore the unique qualities of flock.            

                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Russell- Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, Bournemouth. Dorset. UK.                                      

15 January – 2 June 2008 (free entry: Tues-Sun)                                             

Supported by The Textile Society                                                                                                                                        

This unique exhibition and accompanying symposium aim to make significant and original contribution to the established body of knowledge related to flock. The exhibition will showcase flock’s use and status within art, design and culture through a rich and colourful array of historical and contemporary examples brought together for the first time.

‘Flocking or fibre coating is the process of enhancing the quality of a wide range of surfaces by application of fibres and adhesives’ (http://www.flocking.org/what.htm).

rationale     This exhibition aims to bring together for the first time a plethora of diverse flock examples – to unite art, design, industry and popular cultural in a cross-disciplinary extravaganza. The exhibition will be designed to create a dynamic, colourful and sensory experience so that visitors may enjoy the exquisite tactile and visual qualities of flock. The exhibition aims to encourage audience participation  through the opportunities for visitors to touch flock examples, to add and record their personal responses to and memories of flock.

Venue   

         

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum

The venue for the exhibition is the Bournemouth Russell Cotes Art Gallery and Museum. The exhibition will be staged in the 2 large main galleries of the Russell Cotes. It is proposed that the one day symposium will be staged at a key hotel on the East Cliff, Bournemouth in January/early February.

                                                                                                                                                         

aim:

to consider flock the process and the material, through historical & and contemporary examples

to present a critical consideration of the qualities of flock-notably to consider how the feel and look of flock is used to maximise the appeal and use (form and function) of objects.

to showcase a myriad of design examples that illustrate how flock exists within a variety of contexts including: fashion, interior design, printed ephemera and publishing.

to explore how flock exists within contemporary culture through the integration of examples and perspectives from across key disciplines/sectors – art, design, education, industry..                  

to provide a consideration of varying/opposing perspectives regarding how flock is used and viewed – to explore the tensions that exist in relation to how flock is regarded – classic and kitsch.

to create unique interactive opportunities to enable wide and diverse audiences to access key information and to experience diverse examples of flock items united for the first time within a dynamic arena.  

   Nodding-head flock lobster. c.2005

audience                                                                                                                        

The exhibition aims to attract a variety of audiences including: general public; schools, colleges and universities; textile researchers; designers; design historians; museum studies students/staff; collectors. The symposium aims to attract key audiences: fashion, textile and design students, researchers designers and academic staff; design historians; members of The Textile Society; school teachers and museum staff. Invitations will be sent to key academic courses and relevant museum and collections organisations internationally. To support the academic integrity of the exhibition an educational pack will be designed specifically for schools and it is intended that a catalogue and subsequent publication will also come forth from the exhibition. It is proposed that the exhibition will tour nationally.

                Assorted flock items c. 2005

                                                                                                                           

themes:                                                                                                                      

The exhibition will address core themes: Definition of flocking; Process of flocking; Historical context; Design and flock; Fashion - for example a catwalk of flock fashions will parade historical and contemporary examples; Interior design; Publishing; Kitsch and flock; Seasonal flock; Perspectives and Prejudices; Sources and Resources. 

                            

Glencraft Wallpapers, USA 1969

                                                                              

Collaboration

The exhibition will also include a wide range of exhibits on loan from national museums and collections and company archives. The curators are committed to the creation of wider collaborative opportunities the exhibition and symposium offer. Therefore the exhibition will include newly commissioned flock design flock by key artists and textile and designers. The symposium will include keynote speakers.

                   

 Christina Re Stationery, Australia, 2007    &    Paper chase Greeting cards c. 2006/=

 

Publicity                                                                                                                                              

An article on the exhibition and symposium is to be published in Text, The Textile Society’s 25^th Anniversary edition of its Journal in Autumn 2007. Further articles/press releases are proposed for publication in a variety of key international design, textile and interior decoration magazines. The exhibition and symposium is to be promoted through posters and leaflets; publicity via local & national press/radio/television.

The curators                                                                                                                    

Kirsten Hardie and Pam Langdown have significant experience in research, design and exhibition work. They have co-organised a variety of key design exhibitions and have been successful in securing major funding awards. Both curators share a passion for flock and have specific interests in mass produced design and popular taste.

  zoo animals, 2007    nodding Sphinx, 2006