Object Name: Biotunic

Collection: Bioarchive

Date: 2025

Brief Physical Description: A section of a naturally dyed biogarment, ¾ of a tunic recovered from a garden in London.

ID Number Current: 078

Location Made/Found: England, South East London

Measurements/Dimensions: Remnants measure 35cm x 105cm

Number of Items: 1

Subject: Biogarment, Biomaterials, Bacterial Cellulose, DIYBio, Biohacking, Zero Waste, 1st Generation, Cultivation.

Materials: Bacterial Cellulose, Natural dyes, Biosilk thread.

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Content and Subject Information: Remnants of a biogarment believed to have been dug into the ground to biodegrade. Owners who had recently bought the property in the late 2030’s dug up this garment in their garden located in South East London. The previous owner was a textile designer, it was discovered that this garment was an early test piece that can be classified as part of a developing DIYbio trend at the time. With a shift in production and materials through the biological revolution during the early 2030’s many designers and craftspeople began working with DIY biofacturing methods in their studios leading up to this period. The previous owner Claire Wood worked from home in a garden studio space. She has been working with Bacteria and yeast to grow new materials for 5 years. This was an early experiment she dug into the ground to test its biodegradability and had forgotten about. It is an early example of garment pattern pieces being grown to size from biomaterials.

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Production Information: Material cultivated and grown in vats shaped to pattern pieces at StudioBIO laboratory from SCOBY and nutrients. Stitched seams.

Techniques Used: Biofacture, dying, pattern cutting and construction.

Rights: Bioarchive. Claire Wood – Garment.