RESEARCH
dr jo turney
I am a design historian who employs an anthropological approach to the study of textiles and dress. My primary concerns surround theinteraction with people and their things and consequently much of my research is the result of oral history fieldwork. My work to date has centred aroung the cultural significance of amateur needlecrafts in contemporary Britain, which was the subject of my PhD thesis and the focus for a variety of articles and conference papers. The 'ordinary' fascinates me and this informs all of my research.
Until recently I was a member of the Design History Society Executive Committee and regularly contributed articles, reviews and comments to their newsletter.
I am currently working on a group project investigating the significance of the floral printed dress in the 20th century, which will culminate in a variety of events and publications.
Recent Outputs:
- 2005 - Sensory Pleasures: the Significance of Touch in Women’s Amateur. Women's History Network Annual Conference. Solent University
- 2004 - Here's One I Made Earlier: making & Living with Home Craft. Journal of Design History
- 2003 - Making a Mark: Amateur Home Craft in Britain from 1975. Picking Up Stitches. Museum of Domestic Architecture
- 2002 - Making Material Memories. Edinburgh College of Art
- Lead Researcher The Printed Dress in 20th century in association with Bath Museum of Fashion