The Whitworth Limited editions- Research

As an introduction to Unit X- Whitworth limited editions; we had a group visit to the gallery. This involved speaking with the gallery workers and looking around the gallery to start our research. As the gallery has recently been renovated, the interior is modern and spacious with new extensions and large windows looking onto the park. This shows one element of the Whitworth and something for me to think about as I develop my work… ‘outside, inside’. It is very clear that the gallery has been made to feel like you are outside, inside and works very well as a space. I like the clean cut lines, various materials and contemporary style in the interior, something I will think about when designing the product.

The two Whitworth shops located in the gallery have different ethics; one is a quality, lifestyle, home interior shop focussing on…

·         Craftsmanship

·         Simplicity

·         Functional

·         Versatile

·         Built to last

·         Unique pieces of art

·         Quality products

·         Investments

 

The key factors show how the shop is unique and specifically designed to reflect the Whitworth and its surroundings through its range of products. Both shops avoid conventional shop layouts and fittings, therefore the majority of the products (including what they are displayed on) are for sale. I like how the stationary being sold is specifically designed for this shop with the textiles ‘Green’ exhibition influencing the colours. The other shop is designed more for the family and children. The products sold are less expensive and have a playful feel. The shop has been designed so everything can be tested before buying such as pens, catapults, wooden Lego and other unique toys. Both shops are equally as innovative but I sway towards the quality more luxury, interior shop for me to design a product for.

 

As this unit allows us to collaborate if intended; we were asked to join in with a group ‘speed date’ activity to talk about our practice. This was a very unfamiliar situation and first found it difficult to talk about my work to others, but as it went on, I found it easier. This helped to decide if I wanted to collaborate or not with someone from another course, but decided not to as I wanted to develop on my own, to try and develop my skills further and work in a different way. Another unfamiliar situation was when we got asked to work in a group to make instructions on how to make something to hold a food item, this was then tested by a different group following our instructions to make it. This helped us all bond as a new group with people we didn't know, and trying to follow the instructions of another group seemed challenging yet rewarding.

 

Returning to the gallery on a different day after the group visit. I explored further, drawing what I found interesting from the interior. I was very interested in how the atmospheres of the rooms changed as I walked from one collection the other. Walking through the new extension was bright and open and felt that I was outside in the park as the large glass windows look out onto it. The ceiling is high in contrast to the lower rooms exhibiting the paintings. Walking from the brightness into the darkness of the watercolour room was a total change of atmosphere as was the rest of the gallery. I like how the doorways able light to pass through when standing in a darker room and want to show this contrast in my work.

 

I like how the paintings are displayed and show linear qualities.

 

 I want the colours from the gallery to influence my product as colour is a strong factor in my work, and want to reflect the galleries atmosphere. I was also influenced by the existing colours of the leaflets- Mustard yellow, olive green and grey.

 

I want my work to be playful yet interesting and show quality also. I have started to create abstract drawings and mark making using brushes, sponges,sticks, ink, watercolour and collage. reflecting what I have seen in the gallery.

As my prints are usually quite structured, I want to have the prints so they look like drawings showing layers, movement and limited design. Each one will be printed by hand and vary from each other stressing the ‘limited edition’ factor.

  

I would like to design some kind of soft floor accessory as I think this is something the shop could benefit from and is contemporary. Taking into consideration everything I have researched I intend to develop samples in the print room, and want to design prints that are different in the way that they will be abstract.