KEEN knitter Felicity Ford is exploring the history of Oxford through its textiles as part of a unique project.

The Fabric of Oxford was launched by the artist, who works under the umbrella term KNITSONIC. She plans to explore the history of the city by gathering stories from local people for the Museum of Oxford.

Her project, featuring interviews, sound recordings and collected fabrics, will then be displayed as part of an exhibition for the museum’s 40th anniversary celebrations in December.

Dr Ford said: “Living and working in Oxford, I have often been struck by the vibrancy of the city but also by the grandiose nature of its narrative.

“It’s so famous for being this massive academic and historic city and although that is really integral to Oxford, there are many other narratives within it.

“Working on this project is especially exciting to me because I am allowed to tell and celebrate those stories that are part of the life of the city, and focusing on textiles gives a really personal and intimate portrait of the city.

“What people wore to their wedding, where it was made, how they felt when they graduated and so on.”

Dr Ford has been working on the project since April, holding interviews and collecting textiles.

As part of the project she recently visited Oxford Roller Derby to talk to members about their outfits.

She added: “There is a lot of politics about what the group should wear. Some want to wear serious sports kit and some want to wear fishnets and hotpants!

“So I’ve recorded them talking about the politics of it all and also the fun sounds of roller derby practice.”

The self-employed artist, who is in her 30s, said she first started working with sound and textiles when she did an MA in sonic art and composition at Oxford Brookes University in 2006.

She said: “I knitted a speaker system as part of my MA. That was the first thing I made.”

The artist also has a PhD in domestic soundscape and presenting everyday sounds to audience, which she studied at Brookes.

Dr Ford lived in Oxford from 2005-7 and worked here until 2013.

She now lives in Reading with her partner Mark Stanley.

To go with her Fabric of Oxford project she will be collecting stories relating to textiles and clothing, both worn and made in Oxford city, at special events throughout the summer.

* The next event is on Saturday, August 29, at The Old Museum in the Town Hall, St Aldate’s from 11am-4pm.