The 70th anniversary issue of the Journal looks back at how the publication has retained its high standard and developed through the years.
In this issue Stacey Harvey-Brown considers the traditional overshot structure and provides guidance on designing for it. In a challenge to the accepted wisdom that letting a madder dyepot reach boiling point spoils the result, Marietta Richardson shows this is not the case and investigates the effect of water chemistry. While Alice Van Duijen provides guidance on avoiding injury or physical stress on our bodies from poor working practice while enjoying our crafts.
An early article by master weaver and long-time JEC member Peter Collingwood is republished. He analyses types of handloom weaver and was not alone in exploring these issues: similar articles appeared in the Journal’s forerunner, with quite uncompromising views on what was appropriate in handweaving.
Peter was looking specifically at the artistic development of handweaving, but the 2021 Summer School, which we report on in this issue, highlights another element – what the weaver, spinner or dyer derives from their craft in terms of personal satisfaction, achievement and – very relevant to the Association – the social aspect of sharing skills and being part of the creative community. Summer School participants were so pleased to be learning, exchanging ideas, building friendships and being with like-minded people. It is a cornerstone of our Guilds and Association.
Hilary Miller, Chair, Journal Editorial Committee
Contents:
- Anne Lander and The News Sheet of the Guild of Weavers, Spinners & Dyers
- Journal Timeline, Hilary Miller and Alison Castle
- The Versatility of Overshot, Stacey Harvey-Brown
- Moving with the Times, Peter Collingwood
- Interview with Paddy Bakker, Janet Maher
- Madder Myths?, Marietta Richardson
- Body, Mind and Fibres, Alice van Duijnen