Skip to Content

This website uses Cookies you can control them from this page: Cookies Page

Functionality Cookies Performance Cookies Targeting Cookies
THE 2021 FESTIVAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE
RUNNING 1-30 NOVEMBER 2021
FoSS and ESRC logos

Extending the lives of our things: reuse and repair workshop

Environment Themed

What’s on offer?

Join us for this hands-on workshop and discussion on reusing and repairing our things. All materials, tools, and instructions will be provided: bring along an item of clothing in need of repair, or a clean, empty Tetrapak carton – or use one of ours. We will start with three very brief talks on research into the lifecycles of everyday household objects. We will then break into small groups to mend your garment or construct a Tetrapak wallet. While you work, we will invite you to reflect on a series of questions about the lives of our things, before coming back together to share what we’ve made, and discuss the broad challenges and opportunities we face under climate change in prolonging the life and use of our things. If restrictions require it, we will deliver a version of this event online with repair kits by post.

What’s it about?

This workshop is about learning new skills in reuse and repair of everyday objects in our homes. We will also reflect together on the challenges and opportunities we face under climate change in prolonging the life and use of our things. You will learn about new research into waste and reuse in charity shops and among sailors onboard 19th century ships at sea, and about the skilled, second-hand home-making practices of New Travellers. You will leave with a repaired garment or Tetrapak wallet.

Who’s leading the event?

This event is led by Dr Alida Payson, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, The Leverhulme Trust, School of Journalism, Media & Culture, Cardiff University. Dr Payson is joined by Rhiannon Craft, ESRC-funded PhD researcher, School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University and Maya Wassell-Smith, AHRC and National Maritime Museum Greenwich co-funded PhD researcher, School of English, Communication and Philosophy, Cardiff University

Open to

Anyone is welcome. Repairers/makers 12 & under will need the help of an adult. BSL interpretation and simultaneous Welsh translation will be available.

Of particular interest to

This event is open to all but may be of particular interest to charity shoppers, crafters, DIY-ers, and people interested in rethinking our relationship to waste.