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Make/ Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef/ 11 June to 17 August 2008

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General Information

Plagued by pollution, the real coral reef may not be with us for much longer. This project highlights the plight of the world’s waterways, especially on the Southbank, our own river Thames. Charity Thames21 took the exhibition organisers to see the problem for themselves, where they collected some of the plastic that causes part of the problem, to use in their crochet.

Now we need your help. This will be the UK’s answer to the reefs already built in New York and Chicago. In June 2008, some of the stateside reef is coming to the Southbank. The existing reef will be displayed in the Project Space at the Hayward Gallery. The new UK reef is to be exhibited at the Royal Festival Hall next door.

Even if you are a novice crocheter you will be able to contribute. Getting started on your own hyperbolic models is easy. The forms result from the simple process of increasing the number of stitches in every row. The more often you increase stitches the faster the model will grow and the more crenellated the finished form.

Models can begin with a simple line, resulting in a hyperbolic plane; or from a single point with the crochet spiralling around to gradually fan out like a cone, resulting in what is known as a pseudosphere. You may also begin from a circle, which will produce a tubular, bell shaped, or trumpeted configuration. Once you start to experiment, the variety is endless.

We recommend that beginners read the IFF’s online exhibit on Hyperbolic Space and study the introductory gallery for helpful tips. You can find more details of how to make hyperbolic space on the Institute for Figuring website.

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Workshops at the Southbank Centre

Welcome to a Coral Reef crochet workshop Come along to the Southbank Centre on one of the following Monday evenings in June and July to join in the fun. You can learn to crochet from scratch, pick up tips for cutting up plastic bag, and share your ideas. The UK Reef will already be on display and we will be able to help it to carry on growing.

Each evening will be hosted by a different London yarn shop:

Meet in the Sunley Pavilion, Monday evenings, 5.30-7pm

June 16: Prick Your Finger with Rachael and Louise

June 23: Loop with Bee Clinch

June 30: Prick Your Finger with Rachael and Louise

July 7: Fabrications with Barley Massey

July 14: I Knit with Gerard

July 21: Loop with Bee Clinch

July 28: I Knit with Gerard