BSU Textiles Takeover at the Holburne Museum

Image: BSU Textiles student portfolios on display at the Holburne Museum Credit: Alix Coombs

By Alix Coombs

Last Friday, Bath Spa University’s Textile students took over the Holburne Museum in Bath as part of the Museum’s ‘Up Late’ event series, which takes place on the last Friday of each month. I went along to check out the pop-up and catch up on what the students have been working on.

It was a lively evening, with a steady flow of visitors that included students, proud parents, and members of the community. The BSU Textiles students proudly showcased their work, a lot of which was inspired by the Museum’s own collections. Wandering the museum floors and observing the exhibits, it was inspiring to see the students’ work immersed in the culture and history of the region, and to observe how they were able to draw inspiration from artifacts such as Sir Thomas Holburne’s silver spoons. There was even student work available for purchase, including screen printed tote bags and silk scarves.

Image: The screen printing workshop and tote bags for sale Credit: Alix Coombs

As well as showcasing their work the students were also running a series of workshops, including machine knitting, screen printing, embroidery and knitting or crochet. Learning to knit has been on my to do list for some time now, so I sat down with the students and got to work. My very knowledgeable teachers were second year textiles students who were so passionate about what they study and eager to chat all things knitting, wool, dyes and design. They did a brilliant job of showing me how to knit, and with 3 whole rows achieved I’ll be off to the store this week to source my own wool and needles and create my first masterpiece – or just a very obviously homemade scarf.

Image: The busy knitting workshop taking place Credit: Alix Coombs

All of the students I spoke with had the same enthusiastic energy, and it was wonderful to be able to engage and understand their work through the portfolios on display and workshops being taught, right up to their final products for sale. It was a lovely evening, and I look forward to stopping by future Friday pop-ups at the Holburne Museum.