Our Fellows at Melbourne Design Week

We had the pleasure to visit a number of our Fellows' exhibitions who had their work displayed as part of Melbourne Design Week (MDW).

With MDW drawing to a close, we reflect on our Fellows' displays that highlighted their pioneering Fellowship research into areas such as sustainable textiles, petrochemical free plastic and applying traditional armoury craftsmanship in contemporary design.

Future Ambition [Craft Victoria]

2023 Mason Family Trust Fellow Daphne Mohajer va Pesaran

Rag paper wall paper developed by Daphne's practice, DnJ Paper.

As part of Future Ambition at Craft Victoria, Daphne Mohajer va Pesaran's rag paper wallpaper, made from recycled fabric scraps used from the development of MPavillion's uniforms, highlighted rag paper making skills and textile recycling techniques enhanced from her 2023 Mason Family Trust Fellowship to the UK and Greece.

MPavillion uniform by DnJ Paper

Daphne's work at Future Ambition explores the possibilities of using rag paper in everyday design, promoting circular design practices and inviting the audience to reflect on the positive environmental impacts rag papermaking has on the textile industry.

2023 George Alexander Foundation Fellow Jessie French

Talking about international social and political contrasts noticed during her Fellowship, Jessie highlights one of the main objectives of her work is to continue informing the Australian public of the environmental and human harm we face using petrochemical plastics.

Petrochemical free vinyl developed by Other Matter

The exhibition showcased the introduction of Other Matter's petrochemical free vinyl as a product available for purchase from the public. With the choice of adhesive or non-adhesive, the vinyl is made from French's patent pending algae-based sustainable material. By positioning her creation at the forefront of the green evolution, French welcomes the public to explore and accept new materials in our world.

Garniture Collection [Oigall Projects]

2022 George Alexander Foundation Fellow Ella Saddington

Garniture at Oigall Projects

Experimental designer, 2022 Fellow and now researcher, Ella Saddington, opened her full Garniture Collection under her practice Cordon Salon, as part of Melbourne Design Week.

Ella's collection draws heavily from her Fellowship, with each piece named after a person or place she visited. Her introductory piece is an acknowledgement to The Wallace Museum in London, the first location of her international applied research. 

The Wallace Lamp

Talking about her Fellowship, Ella remarks "The research behind Garniture involved visiting 23 collections and workshops across the UK, Italy and Denmark. With no fixed outcome in mind, the process began openly, led by material, not model. Cold forming methods were explored to avoid high-energy forging, and to foreground the inherent strength and surface quality of stainless steel. Inspired by the fluid geometries of German and Italian suits, the pieces adopt high-polish finishes that reflect light rather than absorb it."

It was inspiring to see the craftmanship and pre-industrial armoury techniques Ella had so deeply absorbed on her Fellowship be implemented in her collection.

Puddle mirrors - made in partnership with 2023 Mason Family Trust Fellow, Luke Price.