Kate Goldsworthy

Kate Goldsworthy is currently undertaking a research degree as part of the AHRC funded Ever & Again; rethinking recycled textiles research team based at Chelsea College of Art & Design. Her project is entitled Material Re-creation: the forward design of thermoplastic waste into ‘interim’ textile products, and explores the role of new re-manufacturing processes and digital technologies in creating innovative solutions for textile recycling.

A graduate of Central St Martin’s MA Textile Futures, Kate has been designing with reclaimed textiles since 1997. A longstanding passion for sustainable design and a desire to challenge current preconceptions around recycled materials, has been a constant theme in her work.

Between 2000 and 2005 Kate worked commercially on varied design and consultancy projects, including the book ‘Textile Innovation; interactive, contemporary and materials’ published by Line Consultants, as well as lecturing in the Design Department at Goldsmiths, Central Saint Martins and Chelsea College of Art & Design. Alongside commercial projects she continued to develop her own work for exhibition, based on the application of sustainable design principles and was one of five designers who worked with Rebecca Earley and Dr Kate Fletcher on their project ‘5 Ways’.

Recent work has focused on the concept of life-cycle thinking and the upcycling of materials through design intervention, particularly through the application of new technology. Designs for the recent exhibition Ever& Again; experimental recycled textiles, curated by Becky Earley, explored the idea of ‘resurfacing’ as a way to produce ‘upcycled’ textile products. Inspired in part by the traditions of lace making, appliqué and marquetry as well as more innovative polymer recycling technologies, samples of mixed fibre waste were ‘upgraded’ through various experimental surface treatments.

The resulting work explored design strategies of ‘monomateriality’ and ‘cradle to cradle’ design, with the intention that products can be recycled through multiple life-cycles. The preservation of the materials’ recyclability is a key element in the design of these ‘interim’ textile products.

Recent Events include:

2007

2007 Oct Ever & Again Interim Show, Triangle Space Gallery, Chelsea College of Art and Design, London

2007 Oct Design Event 07; Contains, Newcastle

2007 Oct TFRG Eco Salon; Question Time Panellist, ICA, London

2007 Sep MultiSheer Installation, London Design Festival, Royal Festival Hall, London

2007 Jun ReDesign at Nesta, Sustainable Design Strategies and Approaches, London

2007 May Dressing Rooms; Current Perspectives on Fashion and Textiles. Oslo University College, Norway

2007 Feb ReDesign at BlueBird, London

2006

2006 Sep ReDesign 06; good & gorgeous, London Design Festival

2006 Jun Design for Life: eco-conscious craft and design for the home, The Yard Gallery, Nottingham

2006 Mar Well Fashioned: eco style in the UK, Crafts Council Gallery, London

2006 Mar Biblio, Triangle Space Gallery, Chelsea College of Art and Design, London