Definition of ‘archive’- a place where historical records are kept.

A definition of textiles in my own words – a material that can be joined together or embellished with stitch or other means to create something decorative or useful. Materials could include fabric which is woven, knitted, or fused together, made from natural or man made fibre, plants, plastic, or wood. Usually the material would be able to be shaped or moulded or manipulated in some way. I feel that a material is not a textile if it cannot be manipulated, draped or stitched on in some way, such as a solid piece of wood or stone, however I think these items could be incorporated into textile work.

Textiles can be functional such as clothing to keep warm, bedding, shelter, containers such as bags and bowls, floor coverings, slings to carry babies, sails, flags, drapes and curtains for warmth, shade and privacy; or for decoration such as clothes, wall hangings, sculptural pieces for decoration, hair pieces, jewellery, celebratory textiles for wedding and other occasions.

Here are some pictures of different textiles I have seen on my travels this year.

A textile always has some history – where it was made, and by whom, where the materials were sourced and transported, why it was made, and then how it was used afterwards. Has it been used by many people? Was it produced by hand or machine? Were many people involved in the process? Was it dyed – fibres or finished piece? Has the feel or appearance changed through use? Was it treasured? Was it later reused or cut up or altered in some way? Can the textile tell us about the life of the maker and the life of the user – were their lives very different?

To study a textile archive I am going to look at the Silk museum and Paradise Mill in Macclesfield which is near to where I live.