The University is currently holding an exhibition exploring 100 years of knitting between 1914 and 2014.
The exhibition, on display at the Special Collections Gallery at the Hartley Library, brings together knitted objects with knitting patterns, booklets, journals, postcards and magazines.聽 Many are from the Knitting Collections held by the University鈥檚 Winchester School of Art (WSA) and the Hartley Library at the Highfield Campus.
Exhibition curator and Head of the Knitting Reference Library at WSA, Linda Newington聽comments:聽 鈥淰isitors are taken on a journey from the practicality and utility of clothing during the First World War to the explosion of fashion and style in the 60s, 70s and 80s.聽 A project by students at WSA brings the exhibition right up to date, with a display of their contemporary designs influenced by items from our collections.鈥�
The exhibition showcases some unusual and intriguing objects and articles, including knitted bandages from the First World War, knitting pamphlets from the Second World War, a pattern for the iconic 鈥楽tarsky and Hutch鈥� jacket, an early modelling appearance by a young Kate Moss and an authentic pink 鈥榩unk鈥� jumper.聽 It also contains many items from the Montse聽Stanley Collection, held by the University Library.聽 Montse聽Stanley was a collector, knitter and historian who鈥檚 collection is conserved by the University.聽 Items on display include a knitted pineapple purse, a variety of women鈥檚 bags and a selection of knitting tools.
Knitwear聽Design students at WSA聽took part in a project called 鈥楾he Devil is in the Detail鈥� focused on the production of designs, sketchbooks, swatches聽and technical information linked to the Montse聽Stanley Collection of knitted bags and purses.聽 A research visit to the Special Collections to view a selection of the objects has produced a rich and inspiring mix of swatches; clearly connecting with Montse Stanley鈥檚 own approach, demonstrating the varied detail of construction, colour, design, embellishment, pattern and texture.
The exhibition also contains items by WSA聽alumni, for example,聽a聽knitted outfit designed by Alex Pengelly and a jumper designed by Lucy Jones as part of a special project for internationally renowned design-led luxury hand knit yarn company Rowan in 2013.
Knitting 1914 鈥� 2014 is on display at the Special Collections Gallery, Hartley Library, University of Southampton until Friday 4 April 2014 鈥� Monday to Friday 10am 鈥� 4pm.
For more information about Special Collections at Southampton visit:
For more information about the Knitting Collections at Southampton visit: