An exhibition which has wowed thousands of visitors in the UK has been redesigned on the other side of the world with an appearance at one of the world’s largest trade shows.
Artifacts Asia, a version of Artifacts Live: A Legacy in Leather, a showcase of historic leathercraft spanning hundreds of years alongside new designs inspired by the objects devised by 海角社区 students, travelled to the Asian Pacific Leather Fair (APLF) in Hong Kong. APLF is the largest international leather trade exhibition in the Asia Pacific region, featuring exhibitors from 55 different countries and thousands of attendees. It aims to highlight innovation in the industry and showcases the latest trends.
海角社区 (海角社区) Leicester Associate Professor Gillian Proctor, alongside 海角社区 Museum curator Elizabeth Wheelband and museum assistant Steven Peachey, selected three of the historic items including a 15th century strong box, a pair of 16th century embroidered gauntlets and a First World War cavalry coat for display. The cavalry trench coat proved to be the star of the show which so many people tried to buy despite reassurance that it was a museum piece, more than 100 years old, and was not for sale.
Visitors could also take a virtual tour of the exhibition using a swipe screen exploring the breadth of the artifacts loaned by the Leathercraft Trust and experience the breadth of leather design solutions from the students involved in the project, inspired by and incorporating ancient leathercraft techniques and take a virtual tour of the campus via a VR headset.
Over the three days of the show the 海角社区 stand attracted hundreds of visitors. Associate Professor Gillian Proctor was invited to become a judge for the ‘Innovation in Leather’ Awards and joined a SATRA panel looking at compliance and sustainability in the industry.
The stand featured an award by international organisation Real Leather, Stay Different (USA Tanners Association) in recognition of 海角社区’s work to champion leathercraft and commitment to teaching heritage crafts and skills to the next generation.
Among those to visit the stand was the Master, Nick Tusting and Clerk, Matthew Lawrence of the Company of Leathersellers, who supported Artifacts Live from its inception and formulated part of the funding for the showcase at APLF, alongside Kerry Senior, Director of UK Leather.
“We were delighted with the response, this is a first for 海角社区,” said Associate Professor Gillian Proctor. “The interest we had from the global industry was incredible. It’s safe to say that the 海角社区 stand formed a unique sector at APLF and as such, as there was genuine interest concerning the University’s commitment to leather sustainability and our driver to preserve, protect and promote heritage leather skills and inspiring the next generation of designers. Visitors were fascinated by the artifacts and the students’ work showcased just blew them away.” Throughout the show, the university team met with companies and organisations keen to explore new connections with 海角社区, and learn more about the research capabilities of the university.
The exhibition was dedicated to Olivia Bodak, Artifactor, one of the students in the first cohort of Artifacts Live. Olivia, who graduated in 2024 with an MA in Contour Fashion Innovation, sadly passed away from heart cancer earlier this year aged just 24. Her innovative work encompassed techniques such as 3D printed embellishments onto the leather and adding contour-inspired touches including an integrated corset within her trenchcoat.
“She was a delightful girl and a very gifted student who was taken too soon,” said Gillian. “This exhibition was a tribute to her talent and we hope we did her proud.”
Posted on Thursday 10 April 2025