Barley Massey
Fabrications
Fabrications, 7 Broadway Market, Hackney, London E8 4PH
Barley Massey has been championing textile upcycling and “Cradle to Cradle" principles for over 25 years from her studio - shop - upcycling emporium "Fabrications" in East London. Alongside her own creative re-use practices, she is committed to passing on skills, offering inspiration and supporting the local community through regular classes and events that focus on making, mending & upcycling.
- Materials/Resources
- Methods/Processes
- Sourcing model
- Services Offered
- Languages
- Languages:
- English
- Welsh
- Scale
- 2–5 people
About the practice
My practice takes many forms, but at the core I'm interested in cultivating a culture of creativity, community and care. I enjoy the challenge of transforming what others consider "waste" materials into beautiful and practical items and in turn helping to change perceptions and behaviours around value (and values) The way I work is playful, spontaneous, expressive 'textile collages', where I let the waste materials direct me, ideas and products often emerge from handling the materials, expressed into wearable and uaeful items and one off pieces, which I displsay and sell in-house at 'Fabrications'. Over the years, I've also been fortunate to be 'stocked' and commissioned elsewhere, including with Amnesty International, Barbican and Liberty. Alongside my one off pieces I offer a bespoke “Remember Me” service, in which I transform meaningful ‘old’ items from the circle of existence (from outgrown children’s items to garments left behind by a loved one) with creativity and care into new treasured heirlooms. This service is close to my heart as I get to hear people's stories and memories and weave these threads into the work. I see this type work as 'poetic upcycling' helping the people i work with to transform not just tangible items in the material world but more subtle/invisible wears. Alongside my studio practice, I am committed to passing on sewing, mending and upcycling skills to others, encouraging creativity, mindful making and resourceful living in the hearts and hands of the community. I do this through my regular programme of affordable classes and ‘sewcials’ at Fabrications (please visit Fabrications website calendar to see what’s on!) I am also free-range! Over the years I’ve worked alongside a wide range of individuals, brands, eco-preneurs, organisations, architects & interior designers, education institutes, community initiatives, including: Eco-Age, East & West London Waste Authorities, “Love Your Clothes Campaign” (Wrap/Re:London) Materials Science Research Centre (RCA) and maybe you??
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