Work

Wrestling with Tradition: Revitalizing the Orkney Chair and Other Culturally Significant Crafts

Year: 2017

Type: article

Abstract: Across the world, “culturally significant” designs, products, and practices – such as traditional crafts – have been pushed to the margins by the forces of modernization and globalization. Appreciation of the positive attributes of these traditions drives widespread revitalization initiatives, often involving designers. Awareness of the cultural ramifications of design-led revitalization may deter enthusiasm for radical initiatives and instead promote preservation efforts. Yet a deconstruction of the popular understandings of tradition and origin indicates a need for change and cross-cultural contact. This article proposes that social value – central to a traditional craft’s cultural significance – should be used to guide revitalization.

Source: Design and Culture

DOI: 10.1080/17547075.2017.1370310

Authors: Amy Twigger Holroyd, Tom Cassidy, Martyn Evans, Stuart Walker

Institutions: Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Leeds, Nottingham Trent University, Lancaster University, Design Research Society

Language: English

Topic: Cultural and Communication Design Research

Subfield: Museology

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: Arts and Humanities Research Council

Award: G1791964891