Print version Recommend this page Press release
21/ 2011
Bonn, 05.05.2011
Textile crafts between tradition und innovation
Textile exhibition at BIBB in Bonn
What do felt-making, bobbin lace, passementerie, embroidery, knitting and weaving all have in common? They are all traditional textile craft techniques that have become less and less important over the years with the advance of industrial production technologies. Steps are now being taken to counter this development: All these craft techniques are being bundled as of areas of specialisation in the new training occupation "Textilgestalter/ Textilgestalterin im Handwerk" (textile designer in the crafts sector) to give new impetus to a sector between tradition and innovation. The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) in collaboration with the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH) and the IG Metall metal-working union recently presented this new occupation which requires completion of formal vocational training ('training occupation') in connection with the opening of an exhibition. In keeping with the motto "hands that create value", the "Fäden verbinden - Faszination textiles Handwerk" (Joining threads 0 The fascination of textile crafts) exhibition which can be seen at BIBB in Bonn until 20 May showcases highly individualistic, high-quality textile art and precious textile objects and offers insight into traditional handicrafts.
Old bobbin lace patterns, lacemaking pillows and valuable, classic lace plus items such as jewellery which illustrate modern possibilities for this technique are among the articles on display. And whoever wants to try their hand at making bobbin lace is also given the opportunity at the exhibition. In the area of felt-making the exhibition offers, for example, clothing, jewellery, items for the home and abstract art. The exhibition also features a felted wedding ensemble. This 'joint project' incorporates work from all disciplines: jacket, dress, crown, jewellery for the hand, and a pillow for the wedding rings.
Speaking at the opening of the exhibition, BIBB's president Professor Dr Friedrich Hubert Esser stressed that traditional craft techniques and the products that are made with their help are part of everyday life. "They do not belong in a museum where we can admire them like relicts from the past." The exhibition offers an impressive look at the different production techniques and the wide variety of products which are made with great attention to detail. "We hope," Professor Esser continued, "that the revision of the Textile Designer occupational profile will encourage firms to offer more training places in the sector and can improve the prospects for employment in this area on a lasting basis."
After being shown in Bonn, the exhibition "Fäden verbinden - Faszination textiles Handwerk" will travel to the offices of the IG Metall trade union in Frankfurt am Main where it can be seen in June and then to the ZDH in Berlin in September.
The exhibition can currently be seen in the foyer of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB), Robert-Schuman-Platz 3, 53175 Bonn. Opening hours: 6 - 20 May, workdays from 9 am to 5 pm.
Points of contact for further information and for entry to the exhibition at BIBB:
- Monika Welter
- Christiane Reuter
Reprint free of charge. Voucher copy requested.
