Matthew Briggs
MA work
MA work
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Pearly Queen, 2018
Knitted and felted merino wool and nylon
70 cm X 130 cm | Photographer: Lauren Bishopp -
Pearly Wrestling Federation, 2018
Ceramic thread embroidery on felt. Knitted Cashmere and silk.
50cm by 50cm | Photographer: Matthew Briggs -
7 Stitch Bitch, 2018
Cashmere, Silk, Nylon
Photographer: Matthew Briggs -
Knitted trouser leg, 2018
Knitted merino wool and nylon
Photographer: Matthew Briggs
London Girls
After meeting Beryl and June in an old greasy spoon on Broadstairs Beach, Matthew became fascinated with their heritage and defiance in maintaining a tradition that these London girls have grown up around.
The collection of knitted fabrics forms a line up of tag team wrestling matches pitting the pearlies of different boroughs that have a tongue-in-cheek rivalry against each other for the Pearly Wrestling Federation Championship belt. These London girls have their own stage name and special move.
Mimicking the jocular rivalry and theatrics of British Professional Wrestling seen at Butlins every year, these women had pride in their respective boroughs and will fight for their pearly land.
Matthew's work has used this satirical look at tradition to utilise knitting possibilities to create graphic logos and motifs inspired by the symbols of pearly life.
The collection is split into 4 separate stories: Androgynous texture, Graphic placement, Sportswear colour block and textured motifs.Â
Info
Info
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MA Degree
School
School of Design
Programme
MA Textiles, 2018
Specialism
knit
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Contact
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07931160911
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Matthew sees his work as a celebration; an intimate and satirical look at social classes, championing the leisure and entertainment that is enjoyed in a particular society. His work often touches on kitchen sink realism, using his platform of knitwear to showcase his tongue-in-cheek view of British-ness.Â
Originally from a textile engineering background, He uses graphic imagery and textured weft insertion techniques on a Shima Seiki machine to create knitted fabrics of complexity and elegance. Often combining bright coloured wool blends with tonal synthetic yarns and metallics, Matthew uses a method of yarn mixing to create soft handles across fabric structures.
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Degrees
- BSc Textile Design and design management, University of Manchester, 2015
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Experience
- Knitwear Designer, Ethologie, London, 2015-2016; Stylist, Art to Wear, Raleigh North Carolina, 2014
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Awards
- £2000, Kay Cosserat Prize for Knitwear, 2018; Finalist, Shima Seiki Design Competition, 2017; Finalist, Loro Piana Knit Game, 2017; Design used on a glass panel in new building, Alan Gilbert Learning Commons Award, 2012