Designing a modern moquette – project update
Last year, we started an exciting community arts project to design a modern moquette fabric for Calderdale.
So far, over 100 people have contributed to the project in lots of different ways from sharing their moquette stories to taking part in workshops.
We’re really excited to share a shortlist of three designs below – but first, here’s a quick recap on the project and what we’ve done so far.
About the moquette project
Working with our communities, we’re designing a new moquette fabric that will be displayed at Halifax bus station. This will be a key point of interest on the Art and About trail – a route featuring existing landmarks and new art installations that celebrate the unique heritage and culture of Halifax.
The project is being led Everybody Arts Director, Harriet Fletcher, with input from artists and communities across Calderdale.
Find out more about the project.
How has the moquette project been developed?
Input from the community
From April to June 2024, we delivered a series of courses and workshops to gather ideas for the new moquette fabric. From a four-week course with textile enthusiasts to a family workshop in our gallery space, we were absolutely blown away by the creativity, input and enthusiasm of our communities.
A deep dive into the history
Calderdale has a rich textiles history, and we wanted to make sure this was reflected in the final moquette design. To learn more, we spoke to a range of moquette experts including:
Micheal Holdsworth, former CEO of John Holdsworth and Co. - one of the leading producers of moquette worldwide before their buyout in 2007.
Keith, Janine and Tim from Calderdale Industrial Museum. The museum has an amazing collection of carpet and moquette samples manufactured by local firms and a working moquette loom.
Camira Fabrics in Mirfield (who acquired John Holdworth and Co.) where we gained insight into how the production of moquette has changed in recent years.
Consultation and engagement
During the Summer, lead artist, Harriet, took inspiration from the community and the moquette experts to create 12 moquette designs for consultation. In late 2024, we invited open feedback on the designs through an online survey and a series of drop-in sessions. We used this feedback to select a shortlist of three designs.
Recording the journey
As this project has been created collaboratively with our community, we wanted to make sure we had a visual record of all the different ways that people had helped to shape it. The footage we’ve captured will be used to create a mini documentary that shows the design process – but also looks back at Calderdale’s rich textiles history and shows how this has influenced the design of our modern moquette.
Take a look at this highlight reel which shows how the project has developed so far.
The shortlisted moquette designs
While the 12 moquette designs were produced by our lead artist, Harriet, they all include design elements created by members of the community. If you came to one of our moquette workshops you might recognise some of the illustrations, colourways or shapes:
From these designs, one, four and eleven were chosen for the shortlist. People that look part in the survey and consultation drop-ins said they felt drawn to these designs for the following reasons:
Bright colour combinations and the balance of colours.
Interesting patterns and abstract designs.
Optimistic, colourful and modern designs which are appealing on the eye.
What’s next?
The final design will be selected by colleagues at Calderdale Council and Halifax Bus Station. The design will then go into production with Camira Fabrics and the final moquette sample will be installed at Halifax Bus Station later in 2025. Keep checking our website and social media channels for further updates on the project.
Finally, we wanted to say a huge thank you to Keith, Janine and Tim from Calderdale Industrial Museum, Honor from Camira Fabrics, Michael Holdsworth and each and every person that has supported this project so far. We can’t wait to share the finished moquette design with you.