Barley Massey developed the concept of the “Upcycling Academy” in response to an invitation by the organisers of the Knitting & Stitching Shows to create a sustainability focussed, interactive and educational area aimed at school groups and young people attending the show (but obviously open to all!) Visitors were taken on a tour of the ‘productive line’, learning about how garments are produced, the environmental and social impacts of ‘fast fashion’, what happens to garments at the end of life, and how as consummers and citizens we can excersise our values, make conscious choices and become more resourceful/creative with our ‘old’ clothes.
Barley partnered with Traid, War on Want and the Craftivist Collective to deliver the experience, with each partner offering daily hands on workshops and discussions as well as collaborating as a group to produce a resource book / pre show activities for teachers to offer their students in line with the national curriculum. The Upcycling Academy appeared at all 3 shows – London, Harrogate & Dublin and stayed at the Alexandra Palace show for a few years – were you one of the 1,000’s of visitors that joined us?
- Clothing
- Fashion
- Upcycling
- Workshop