‘Tradition through Transition’ takes visual inspiration from Orkney’s dramatic landscape to capture the change in which climate change is having on its islands and the threat its posing to the landscape and historical sites alike. Without action, we are at risk of losing the natural beauty of Orkney along with its immense historical importance to the oceans, which are eroding upon our northern isles. 

This body of work is influenced by in depth research on the effects which climate change is having on Orkney, narrowing in on the coastal erosion, and particularly the historical sites located alongside the coast, which are at significant risk of becoming lost to the sea. By exploring the duality between innovation and tradition within my designs, my work reflects the beauty of Orkney whilst incorporating the damaging physical effects which climate change is having on the island and serve as a preventative approach targeted at tourists and passengers on board the MV Hamnavoe ferry.

My designs are visually appealing, with colour and marks extracted directly from the islands, but serve as a deeper meaning to educate, prevent and draw attention to the underlying issue of climate change and loss. My collection of printed fabrics confronts the issue of historical preservation, visualised as interior based, to spark excitement around the journey passengers make, immersing them visually through a sense of the beauty, history and culture which Orkney has to offer.

 Large space dividers, shaped and inspired by the ring of Brodgar, covered in hand and digitally printed fabrics, represent the effects erosion is having to Orkneys coastlines and historical sites alike, using marks extracted on site and visualised with pattern and colour, with an aim of bringing part of what Orkney has to offer on board whilst acting as a preventative approach to the harrowing effects tourism can have to these historic landmarks and landscapes. These space dividers act functionally and as a ‘tourism from home’ statement approach, offering both an aesthetic and ethical alternative to traditional tourism and textile consumption.