Life on the Outskirts brings together work by art and design students and graduates from Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Leeds inspired by the Helen Storey Foundation archive. These contemporary responses are displayed alongside Helen Storey’s ‘Dress for Our Time’ (2015) and archival images.

Presented by the Helen Storey Foundation (HSF), the University of Leeds and Manchester Metropolitan University, Life on the Outskirts is an AHRC-funded project about finding fresh creativity by revisiting past practice. Following the exhibition’s successful launch in the School of School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies at the University of Leeds, Design Manchester is pleased to host the exhibition during the DM18 festival in the Benzie Building, Vertical Gallery at Manchester School of Art.

The project uses the HSF archive as a case study and inspiration. Over more than 35 years as a practitioner, Helen Storey has produced innovative creative responses to innumerable briefs and issues. The archive is a personal collection gathered over Helen’s working life which exists between fashion, art and science. The medium of clothing is used to address issues such as resource scarcity, climate change and migration; these themes are commonly reflected in the participants’ responses.

The exhibition opens with special guests, Helen Storey and Caroline Coates. Participating artists will be in conversation with the Helen Storey Foundation about their involvement in the Life on the Outskirts project. Thursday 11 October, 2 – 3.30pm, Floor 4, Benzie Building, Manchester School of Art.

Photograph: Helen Storey’s ‘Dress for Our Time’ (2015) and Student and Graduate Responses to the Helen Storey Foundation Archive, Life on the Outskirts exhibition, University of Leeds (Photograph by Jules Lister, 2018).

For more information on the project, exhibition, and film visit: www.lifeontheoutskirts.org.