MECHANICAL MACHINES

There is a certain unintended beauty to mechanical knitting machines. Unlike digital machines that operate on invisible instructions, mechanical machines openly reveal their inner workings to the naked eye, hiding nothing. 

We find that this unique connection with mechanical machines arises from a subtle morphological resonance, wherein the rhythmic movements of gears and levers echo the natural motions of human limbs, fostering a sense of affinity and kinship. Each movement, gear, and stitch becomes a visible part of the intricate dance - a transparent harmony between mechanics and craftsmanship.

A few years ago, we invited the renowned photographer Alastair Wiper to document some of our oldest machines, still gracefully in operation, capturing what we envisioned as a family album of machines, each displaying Wittgensteinian family resemblances. On the day of the shoot, we quickly realized the machines were positioned too closely for Alastair to capture the expansive views required. 

Ultimately, we embraced a diptych approach, merging two or three images into one, reminiscent of traditional church diptychs. This format beautifully complemented the subject, expressing our profound reverence for these remarkable machines and their enduring legacy.