Humanitarian Handicraft book launch and workshop

Description

Humanitarian Handicraft book launch and workshop

This event celebrated the publication of Humanitarian Handicraft: History, Materiality and Trade, c.1840–1980 (Manchester University Press), co-edited by Dr Helen Dampier (Leeds Beckett University), Dr Rebecca Gill and Dr Claire Barber (University of Huddersfield), and Professor Bertrand Taithe (University of Manchester).

The event began with Threads in Common, a participatory textile workshop that invited attendees to explore the affective, sensory, and material dimensions of textile production in contexts of crisis and displacement. Participants engaged with the historical example of vibrantly embroidered bags designed by the Omega Workshops and produced by refugee women in France during the First World War, reflecting on the intersections of craft, humanitarianism, labour, and care.

The workshop was followed by a formal book launch, during which the editors discussed the development of the publication and reflected on its origins in a collaborative exhibition and conference held in 2019. The event provided an opportunity to examine the historical significance of humanitarian handicrafts and their role within wider networks of aid, trade, material culture, and social history, while fostering dialogue between researchers, practitioners, and members of the public.

Period	30 Apr 2026
Event type	Workshop
Organiser	Leeds Beckett University
Location	Leeds, United KingdomShow on map
Degree of Recognition	Regional