Giant coat of many colours weaves School’s tale

A giant, multi-coloured coat has been created to celebrate the University’s excellence in health and social science.

The nine-foot installation is part of an exhibition showcasing the research and teaching achievements of the School of Health in Social Science.

The coat – which is suspended from the ceiling on a giant hanger – is part of the This is us exhibition, which runs 21-25 October, 11am-1pm at Inspace on Crichton Street.

It was created by Sara Balestrieri, Paloma del Valle, Kyle Maenz, and Vanna Paabor, all Performance Costume students at Edinburgh College of Art.

The students were commissioned to build a creative art piece to embody the School’s story – such as the use of patchwork to represent the different areas working in partnership.

students with coat © Sam Sills Photography — "Although challenging, it was a great experience to create a sculptural garment on such a large scale, I imagine those opportunities are few and far between." Vanna Paabor

Sara working on elements of the coat © Sam Sills Photography — "Creating the Coat wasn't easy. It is hard to represent so many people and ideas in one single garment and to insert as well our vision as designers. But we tried to bring into this creation every member of the staff and the Coat became a blank page where tell their stories" Sara Balestrieri

close up of coat © Sam Sills Photography — "The coat has been an enriching experience to work on. Constructing something at this scale presents unexpected and fascinating challenges to overcome." Kyle Maenz

Coat in full © Sam Sills Photography — "This project allowed us to experiment with atypical materials, and it was a great experience to think out of the mold" Paloma Del Valle

student working on coat - © Sam Sills Photography — Shapes and structures are used to convey the layers of the School’s story.

close up of detail © Sam Sills Photography — Wood, metal and paper are among the materials used in the design.

Creative symbol

In the lining are sewn the names of staff who have contributed to the School’s work in the areas of Clinical and Health Psychology, Counselling Psychology and Applied Social Sciences and Nursing Studies.

Alongside the vibrant coat, a digital slide and panel display will present some of the School’s research highlights.

Research impact

These include developing guidelines to help children stay safe online, research looking at how children interact with animals and an international partnership examining the efficacy of mental health services for vulnerable groups.

The display will also profile a photography project documenting the recovery of people with alcohol addiction.

The coat project was developed by Professor Charlotte Clarke, former Head of School and International Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

Our School is on a journey that brings people together to tackle some of the deepest challenges that face individuals and societies. This exhibition is a way of embodying our values and approach, and celebrating the place of the School in the University community.

Professor Matthias SchwannauerHead of the School of Health in Social Science

Giant coat of many colours weaves School’s tale

Creative symbol

Research impact

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