Join us for a special talk and book launch celebrating the life and legacy of pioneering British fashion designer Bill Gibb. Dr Shane Strachan and Christine Rew, former Manager of Aberdeen City Art Gallery, come together to discuss Refashioning Bill Gibb for the 21st Century (Bloomsbury), a major new publication co-edited by Strachan and Josephine Steed.
Awarded British Vogue’s Designer of the Year in 1970, Gibb was renowned for his bold, fantastical designs that captured the vibrancy of the era. Raised on a farm in Aberdeenshire before studying at St Martin’s School of Art, Gibb went on to dress icons including Bianca Jagger, Elizabeth Taylor and Twiggy. Despite his influence, his work has remained largely unexamined until now.
Tickets £15 (includes entry to The Biba Story: 1964–1975)
Refashioning Bill Gibb for the 21st Century draws on expert essays, interviews with collaborators such as Kaffe Fassett and Giles Deacon, and previously unpublished drawings and garments from Aberdeen Archives, Gallery and Museums, offering a unique perspective on Gibb's artistic vision. Copies of the book will be available to purcase from the Dovecot Studios shop.
Dr Shane Strachan is originally from Bill Gibb’s hometown of Fraserburgh and is a writer, performer and academic based in Aberdeen. His spoken word project ‘The Bill Gibb Line’ is available online and was exhibited at Aberdeen Art Gallery, followed by further Bill Gibb-related work for V&A Dundee and in his debut poetry collection DWAMS (Tapsalteerie). He was the 2022-23 National Library of Scotland’s Scots Scriever writer-in-residence for which he was awarded Scots Champion at the 2023 Scots Language Awards. He holds a PhD in Creative Writing from the University of Aberdeen where he now lectures.
Christine Rew is a decorative arts specialist who has curated several contemporary craft, jewellery and fashion exhibitions including ‘Bill Gibb’ in 1990 and ‘Bill Gibb – the Golden Boy of British Fashion’ in 2003, the year that would have marked his 60th birthday. As the former manager of Aberdeen Archives, Gallery and Museums Service, she developed a significant collection of Gibb’s work including archival material, fashion drawings, knitwear, daywear and couture garments, creating the most comprehensive collection of Gibb’s creative output in the UK.
Every ticket sold supports the work of The Dovecot Foundation to advance visual art, craft and design in all its forms.
Please note that tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable and may not be exchanged.
If you are unable to attend an event please contact Dovecot on 0131 550 3660 or info@dovecotstudios.com to inform the Front of House Team.