Output details

Herself - Catalytic Clothing

“Herself’, a textile sculpted dress, was the initial research outcome in the Catalytic Clothing project. This cross disciplinary research set out to produce fabric and clothing that would eliminate air pollutants. The scientific element of the research was led by Ryan (University of Sheffield) who developed the underpinning chemistry. Storey (London College of Fashion) led the fashion and wearable component, designing the garments. Belford’s contribution was in the development and testing of advanced textile printing processes with the new materials. Laboratory research took place in Belfast between Nov 2009 and Feb 2010, investigating print methods to subvert the established chemistry of Titanium Dioxide (Ti02) onto textile substrates. Invest NI, the Northern Ireland regional business development agency supported the research phase of Belford's work with an innovation grant. Belford’s developmental research for ‘Herself’ was also funded as part of an EPSRC grant (£13,496) led by Sheffield University. The research aimed to combine knowledge and hybrid methods from concrete, textiles and Nano Ti02. The research output in dress form was disseminated in order to provoke media interest in the potential for further application and development of the underlying innovation.

“Herself” was first shown in October 2010 outdoors in Sheffield city centre and then at the Science Centre Singapore in July 2011. Belford presented her textile findings at the International Flock Symposium, Munich (March 2011). The Worshipful Company of Dyers invited the project team to present the distinct aspects of the collaboration at the Colour conference (2009) and in April 2009 awarded Belford the Silver medal ‘for major contribution to the advancement of textile design and the printing of textiles’ The authors also presented the project at the Stroud International Textiles (2012).