Curated by Lynda Morris, Modern History Vol.I selected work by contemporary artists based in the North West of England whose work displayed a sense of history. We were invited to show based on our collaboration with the writer Michael Butterworth – a key figure in sci-fi and countercultural publishing in Manchester in the 1960s and 70s.

Lauren and I produced a series of screen printed textile ‘backdrops’ inspired by the original wallpaper in Butterworth’s office and the home of his publishing house, Savoy Books. Our prints combined Aubrey Beardsley illustrations with a drawing of a Surinam toad specimen held in the Manchester Museum.

Together we co-wrote an essay for the Modern Histories catalogue touching on the origins of science fiction, Surinam toads, and the role of Italian furniture design in 1970s television:
PippaPippa.pdf