Last night saw the opening of 'Power of Making' at the V&A Museum in London. Curated by Daniel Charny, the show is produced in association with the Crafts Council. For this exhibition I chose to prototype a bag idea I'd had for some time. I'm keen to focus on the leather-like qualities of microbial cellulose and a 'tote' bag represented a simple form that would test the material and trial a new construction method. A wooden form was made from MDF, modular, it is designed to dismantle and release the dried, moulded bag. Metal studs were hammered in a simple decorative pattern that describes the shape of the bag and which, from previous experiments, were expected to cause oxidation thereby effecting an organic black patination. Wet cellulose was cut and laid over the wooden form with a double layer over the bottom for reinforcement. All edges were overlapped to encourage strong seams with evaporation. Handles were also bonded using this method and seem to be pretty strong though the bag hasn't yet been tested for weight tolerance!

Before installation at the V&A.

Stored on mould, showing one 'perfect' side..
Other side showing circular 'plasters' : wet rounds of cellulose used to patch holes in the wet sheet, these bond to the main material with evaporation - kind of self-repairing. You might say that holes are undesirable as they signify imperfection but for now I quite like their inclusion as they reveal more of the story (and possibilities) behind both the material and its production process.
Wet material on mould with addition of handles.
Wet material first applied to wooden form. Sides showing edge overlaps. A few days later showing beginnings of oxidation.

Studs marking pattern for hammering and internal view.

Finished modular MDF mould.

From the exhibition guide:

'Power of Making is an exhibition about the breadth and depth of craft's presence in modern life. The featured objects have been selected to highlight both age-old skills and contemporary techniques, from traditional stone walls to machines that can make other machines. Each exhibit demonstrates refined craftsmanship, meticulous control or ingenious application'. 

What the gallery information doesn't mention is that the BioCouture ToteBag is created using living microbes. Whilst the hands-on nature and small scale-production of this bag (a one-off) is more akin to craft, the intention behind this research is to prototype a recipe and method of production that can be scaled up industrially.

As part of the V&A's education programme I will be hosting a 'show and tell' in their FabLab on 10th December 2011, check back nearer the time for more info.