What is the ecology of 21st C textile makers working in isolation?
A thriving ‘creative class’ is a lure to wider prosperity (Florida). 21stC Creative Industries theory has focused on growth, urbanity, communities, co-creation, IRL and online collaboration. Contemporary lone makers have received less critical attention yet understanding there ecology is critical to a sustainable culture for solo- micro practitioners.
The researcher will interrogate lone textile makers’ binary of social isolation and connectivity. Lone makers contribute to supply chains from physical isolation including remote locations and well- populated areas without a maker community; perhaps making niche product.
A literature review, and case studies identification may be followed by a constructivist stance, drawing on multiple sources of data and information including:
Maker survey, interview and/or observation to investigate tangible making technologies, agency and self-esteem.
Thematic analysis of product data, purposefully harvested from catalogues, webshop (product types, batch volumes, customisation).
Analysis of social media, communications and product development timelines (technical challenges and operating strategies); Identification of accessible or emerging technologies or needs.
Consideration of place- noting critics characterise fully-automated mass-production as placeless.
Identification of social interactions of lone makers (patterns of face-to-face 1.2.1 and volume engagement or collaboration [customers, buying, production fieldwork)?
Evaluation of saliency of lifestyle (sentiment, sufficiency, community).
Ecosustainability: Makers’ understanding of environmental sustainability varies greatly. Eco modernism has been criticised for perpetuating growth-based strategies. An environmental audit of lone maker ecologies will enhance understanding of solo/micro practitioners’ place-based making, supply chain resilience and how sustainability is enacted in traditional or innovative textile product.
A useful lens may be Walker’s needs, values and meaning to understand practical social personal and economic dimensions. Proposals of other methods are also welcomed.
Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.
We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.
In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.
If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.
The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.
Appointment will be made on merit.
The University offers the following levels of support:
The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:
These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.
Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.
Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.
The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).
This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.
Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living
Hackney Fiona, Maughan Hannah, Desmarais Sarah. (2016) The Power of Quiet: Re-making Affective Amateur and Professional Textiles Agencies. Journal of Textile Design Research and Practice, 4 (1), 33
Ingold, T. (2013). Making: Anthropology, Archaeology, Art and Architecture. Oxon: Routledge.
Mayne, A. (2016) Feeling lonely, feeling connected: Amateur knit and crochet makers online. Craft Research Vol 7. No 1 pp.11-29
Walker, S. (2014) Designing Sustainability: Making Radical Changes in a Material World, Abingdon: Routledge
Wenger, E (1998) Communities of Practice: learning, meaning and identity. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Williams Shirley, Highwood E.J. (2018) A Comparison of Social Learning Systems: Crochet Alongs and Moocs. European Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning, Vol 21. 2, 14
Submission deadline
Monday 26 February 2024
04:00PM
Interview Date
Weeks commencing 18 March and 15 April 2024
Preferred student start date
16 September 2024
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