JISC

Start date: 1 March 2001

End date: 28 February 2003

Funding programme: Learning and Teaching (5/99) programme

Project website: http://www.surrart.ac.uk

This project is part of the images project cluster in this particular programme. The main focus for projects in this cluster is on the creation and use of still image collections for learning and teaching.

Background

The Textiles Collection is a working collection that has been developed over a period of forty years to support the learning and teaching philosophy of the BA (Hons) Textiles Programme at the Surrey Institute of Art and Design, University College. The over-arching purpose of the Textile Collection has been to provide real examples to demonstrate the application of a broad range of textile techniques and processes that underpin the curriculum. Students are encouraged to handle textiles and to respond to qualities; to question and analyse them as a primary source. The Collection plays a central role in stimulating creative investigation and supporting students in their understanding of the factors influencing textile design and production.

Aims and Objectives

The main aim of the project is to digitise selected items from the Textiles Collection and develop associated learning materials. Artefacts will be selected for specific relevance to curriculum content and incorporated into a newly developed learning package to complement practical study. The photography and ensuing digital images must capture the particular qualities of drape and fold to convey the influence of fibres, structures and finishing of woven cloths and to illustrate the effects of surface quality, pattern and scale on printed fabrics. The specific objectives are to:

• Produce a database of 1000 images of selected artefacts with specific relevance to the practical study of textiles
• Develop a learning and teaching package as a digital resource in support of printed and woven textiles
• Deploy a current metadata standard to describe each image and to allow interoperability with other digital resources, particularly the Crafts Study Centre (also funded under the DNER learning and teaching programme)
• Deliver the resource using the Institute Web site and the JISC-funded Visual Arts Data Service (VADS)
• Enable individual flexibility in the use of the resource by providing access to VADS image selection and display tools which are being developed as part of the PICTIVA project (also funded by the DNER learning and teaching programme)

Project design

A sample of artefacts will be selected as a pilot for developing photographic procedures and to develop specialist content for the purposes of learning and teaching. The Project will run parallel to, and cross reference with, the Crafts Study Centre Collection digitisation project. Textile specialists will be commissioned to assist in the development of specialist data. The project will pay particular attention to the selection and development of a simple system that will enable students to develop it as a learning tool.

Following evaluation and refinement of the ‘pilot’, the content and detail of the design will be assessed to define the format for the second year.

Outcomes

The Project Team acknowledges the challenge of translating a primarily tactile subject into a digital format and recognises the significance of it as original research. Regular trials of the resource will be carried out with students on the BA (Hons) Textiles Programme and external opportunities will be sought through textile guilds and societies and with specialist teachers as adult learners themselves. The Surrey Institute of Art and Design is a member of the National Association of Degree Courses in Fashion and Textiles with subgroups in research and learning and teaching where the project can contribute to the academic development of digital resources in the subject.