The history of textiles is also a history of humankind and its cultures. Although few artefacts from the very earliest periods have survived, even the scarce finds from bogs, grave goods or illustrations on pottery, and later, tapestries, trousseau chests and online shops, tell us a great deal about the respective eras: about everyday life with textiles as well as their ritual significance and the expression of power structures; about function and decoration; and about regional characteristics and global phenomena.

Their significance and influence have changed considerably over the centuries, and today, in particular, there is a lack of appreciation for textiles in society – something we aim to counteract through our design work and theoretical exploration.

Through narratives about and centred on textiles, the seminar aims to explore a broad spectrum of diverse ideas inspired by fabrics and their applications, from the Middle Ages to the digital realm. Using exemplary works, stories and applications relating to each thematic area, the aim is to discuss different perspectives and cultural aspects of textiles. The focus is on the narrative approach, the storytelling moment, the attention to detail, in order to understand the broader context.