Controlled Rummage as Artistic Strategy: Exposing the Bummock of the Lace Archive

Abstract

This article focuses on the research of three artistic researchers working within the Lace Archive at Nottingham Trent University. The discussion will center around an artist residency, which utilized the Lace Archive as the starting point for the development of new artwork that was exhibited at Backlit Gallery, Nottingham and subsequent tour. Focus and discussion fall on the development of a new working methodology called the “controlled rummage.” The article highlights the “Bummock ethos” that utilizes the strengths within the act of seeking the unknown from a starting point of “not knowing.” Also examined is what has been learnt from the project within the Lace Archive toward establishing the framework and methodology for the wider project, Bummock: New Artistic Responses to Unseen Parts of the Archive.

Keywords:

• archives
• artistic research
• Bummock
• controlled rummage
• fine art
• lace
• the Lace Archive
• not knowing

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Arts Council England, Birmingham City University, Nottingham Trent University, University of Kingston and University of Lincoln.

Notes on contributors

Andrew Bracey

Andrew Bracey is an artist based in Waddington. His practice hovers on the fringes of painting, as it bridges over and expands into installation, curation, sculpture, drawing and animation. Solo exhibitions include Isherwood Gallery, Wigan; Usher Gallery, Lincoln; Nottingham Castle; Manchester Art Gallery; Transition Gallery, London and firstsite, Colchester. He is Program Leader of MA Fine Art and PhD student at The University of Lincoln. [email protected]

Danica Maier

Danica Maier completed an MFA in painting before receiving an MA in Textiles. Her work uses site-specific installations, drawing, and objects to explore expectations, while using subtle slippages to transgress propriety. Exhibition and live events include, Research Pavilion at the 58^th Venice Biennale, Venice; The Space at Nottingham Contemporary; National Museum of M.K. Čiurlionis, Kaunas, Lithuania; British Ceramics Biennale, Stoke-on-Trent; The Collection Museum, Lincoln; GEDOK Gallery, Karlsruhe, Germany; Museo del Barro, Asuncion, Paraguay. Maier is an Associate Professor in Fine Art at Nottingham Trent University. [email protected]