- Archive
- Reid Gallery
- Window on Heritage
Instant Whip: The Textiles and Papers of Fraser Taylor 1977–87 Revisited
16 March – 20 April 2024
The Reid Gallery and Window on Heritage
Instant Whip: The Textiles and Papers of Fraser Taylor 1977–87 Revisited shines a light on the archive of interdisciplinary artist Fraser Taylor, acquired by The Glasgow School of Art Archives and Collections in 2014. The exhibition brings together this unique archive with new commissions for the first time. It explores through Taylor’s work connections to textiles, fashion, design, style, identity, and recurring links to Glasgow as a centre of creativity during the period 1977-87.
The title Instant Whip is borrowed from an independent Scottish magazine, published in 1981, featuring a photoshoot from the GSA annual fashion show on the cover and offering “the latest in art, fashion and music”[1].Drawing on this energy and newly flourishing sub-cultures, and formed by the subjectivity of Taylor’s archive, artefacts are grouped by theme and presented collectively alongside private loans and new work. The exhibition surveys Taylor’s time as a student at GSA (1977-81), the Royal College of Art (1981-83), and as part of the pioneering creative studio, The Cloth (1983-87), with David Band (d.2011), Brian Bolger and Helen Manning.
Instant Whip: The Textiles and Papers of Fraser Taylor 1977–87 Revisited is curated by Dr Helena Britt with Panel and presented in partnership with The Glasgow School of Art Archives and Collections, Reid Gallery and Print Clan.
This project is funded by Creative Scotland, The Hope Scott Trust and The Glasgow School of Art.
About the Artist
Fraser Taylor studied Printed Textiles at The Glasgow School of Art and the Royal College of Art. He co-founded The Cloth in 1983 with David Band, Brian Bolger and Helen Manning, a creative studio focused on contemporary textile design and production. Since 1983 he has developed an interdisciplinary art practice and has exhibited his work internationally. Collaborative works include projects with visual artists, designers, and contemporary dance productions. From 2001 until 2017 Fraser was a Visiting Artist and Adjunct Full Professor in the Department of Fiber and Material Studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He returned to Glasgow in 2017 and in 2020 launched a new body of printed textiles and garments under the label HAXTON.
[1] McKeich, B. (1981) Instant Whip – The essence of all communications is intention. Edinburgh: Radar Promotions.