Johannesburg
Melrose textile collab
Panel frames for a textile house collab drop.
Field notes: melrose Textile collab brief and site realities
The Melrose collab centred around creating robust panel frames for a textile house drop in Johannesburg. We worked with existing textile works that needed to live off the wall, visible from both sides in the showroom’s ample natural light. Site access was via a narrow rear lane, so our bakkie loads had to be well wrapped and planned. The panel frames needed to be light enough for regular movement, but sturdy given the busy, hands-on studio environment. The install location was a high ceilinged, airy space just off the main floor, with a mix of painted brick and clean drywall. Jozi’s winter dryness meant we took particular care with timber storage and conditioning. Ambient dust from neighbouring renovations was a constant, so every frame was wrapped in cotton before final hang.
What worked and what we carried forward
Two key decisions made the difference: we fabricated the panel frames from FSC-certified ash, mitred and biscuit jointed for strength and minimal movement. The open-back design allowed the textile’s reverse side to be appreciated, which became a popular feature. Our ceramic studio jig, adapted to clamp the delicate textiles in place during mounting, saw its first outing and proved indispensable. We also introduced a hand-pressed Maker Mark in brass, let into the lower back rail on each frame, that resonated in later projects. These elements slipped easily into our regular toolkit.
Transport logistics and dust-proof wrapping from this job set the standard for future city deliveries, especially in Joburg’s tight back streets.
- Refined biscuit joinery for repeatable slim timber frames
- Ceramic jig system for gentle textile mounting
- Brass Maker Mark now standard on collaborative objects
- Protective cotton wraps during transit and site handling
Lessons and what we’d shift next time
Looking back, a few things could be tuned. The initial layout in the studio assumed perfect right angles, but some of the Melrose walls had a gentle wave. Allowing for minor wall undulations in our mounting system would make future installs faster and neater. We’d also pre-fit more French cleat options, so the height and position could be adjusted on site without extra tools. Lastly, while we matched the ash to the room’s palette, a more pronounced grain or a local hardwood like kiaat might have brought out a richer finish that could stand up to more tactile engagement from visitors.