Sally Gilford — Islington Mill

I have worked as a socially engaged creative practitioner and producer with over 15 years experience across the public, private and third sector.

Commissioned by internationally renowned galleries, museums, educational institutions, and cultural organisations, I have co-created with people and communities to deliver large-scale public artwork, events, and exhibitions.

Based at Islington Mill in Salford since 2009, I founded Salford Makers, a collective of artists, designers, educators and makers with whom I led on a range of collaborative projects, events, commissions and social enterprise.

Driven by a dynamic approach and a passion for improving spaces, places, and accessibility through collaboration, I am interested in connecting the dots between place, identity and heritage, seeking to create meaningful connections and build a sense of community.

My participatory approach encourages the exploration of multi disciplinary art forms to encourage self-expression and creative experimentation. Process led artistic collaboration is at the heart of my practice.

Exploring the intersection of STEM thinking in digital and analogue realms, I’m interested in seeking out both visible and hidden patterns within found and supplied data. From architectural artefacts, bio images to historical archives and beyond, I tell stories that nod to the past, present and future, subverting traditional ideals into dynamic provocations.

With a background in print, my work is bold, playful and inquisitive.

Since 2014, I’ve been collaborating with scientists from the Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research at the University of Manchester, making work in response to their research.

Using microscopic bio images of cells and tissues, I create one of a kind print and and surface designs incorporating both hand printed and digital processes. A selection of my fabrics are available from my shop.