Participants in a MEDATS Study Day at Strangers Hall, Norwich, examine ‘swircles’ (circular swatches of knitted fabric) worked by volunteers for an experimental recreation project headed by Dr. Jane Malcom-Davies.
Saturday 11 November 2023
In person event at Lancaster Hall Hotel, 35 Craven Terrace, London W2 3EL
The Medieval Dress and Textile Society invites proposals for 20-30 minute papers on the theme of ‘Learning Through Reconstruction’, relating to research and study performed through, or supported by, the reconstruction of dress and textiles of the period c.400 – c.1625.
The Learning through Reconstruction Conference will be held at Lancaster Hall Hotel on 11 November, 2023. This date has been changed from the one originally published. Unfortunately due to the technical limitations of the site, remote attendance is not possible.
Presentations may include works in progress, finished reconstruction projects or planned projects, on any type of clothing or textiles including armour and furnishings. In addition to the presentation, we encourage presenters to share hands-on objects. In particular, this conference will aim to promote papers which demonstrate one or more of the following:
- Rigorous and detailed use of remaking practices as a component of scholarly study.
- Close study of surviving dress and textile artefacts.
- Theoretical examination of the value and use of reconstruction, remaking, experimental archaeology or re-enactment study in the field of dress and textile history.
- ‘Embodied’ research practices.
- Interdisciplinary or cross-disciplinary research.
- Innovative collaboration between researchers from different approaches and backgrounds (e.g. ‘hands-on’ makers and ‘hands-off’ academics working together in new ways).
To Apply
Please submit an approximately 200-word abstract explaining the subject matter of your paper to the MEDATS Events Coordinator Elizabeth McMahon at events@medats.org.uk by 31 August 2023.
Academic institutional affiliation is not necessary. We welcome both academic and practical applications. Assistance with costs may be available and potential speakers should apply.
