Mini-exhibition - University of Leeds

This week, I had to go up to the University of Leeds to sit an assessment of my research to date, and to assist my assessors in understanding a bit more about Marian, I thought I’d put on a little exhibition of a few select pieces. To that end, I brought up a dramatically dyed scarf in Marian’s signature tie-dye style (if black-and-white), a cotton strap piece with clothes pegs that hung in the family home for decades, and four ensembles. These are presented below!

Resist-dyed scarf

An example of the labels I made, and a little picture from the Hair programme showing similar textiles.

It’s possible (though unconfirmed) that the scarf was originally made contemporary to Hair, or using the same techniques as practice, etc. Fringe may then later have been added to turn it into a scarf.

Untitled cotton strap piece

The clothespins resisted dye penetration to create a varied pattern.

Barcelona Top/Vienne Skirt & Shibori top/Soft Pants

The Barcelona Top and Viennese Skirt was Marian’s best seller through the 1990s.

Fragments & Resort Ensemble

Fragments was one of Marian’s most famous dresses, presented at New York Fashion Week 1998 and a version later donated to the Metropolitan Museum.