An exploration of what ‘home’ means – both as a physical space and emotional landscape. Discover how mixed media visual artists Lana Turner and Kimberely Harrison use a variety of art techniques to form a visual dialogue of place and memory, inspired by lived experiences.
*Viewer discretion is advised; exhibition contains sensitive matter. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times in the gallery space
In partnership with the King’s Own Scottish Borderers Regimental Museum, discover how, over the years, military uniform has come to mean more than just functionality. Discover the development of KOSB style, the meaning behind the uniform, and the extraordinary lives of the people who wore it.
In partnership with LGBT Youth Scotland, this Pride Month explore the rich and diverse history of Scotland’s LGBTQ+ community. Through powerful stories from local people, including inspiring voices of LGBTQ+ youth, this exhibition shines a light on the moments, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped Scotland’s vibrant LGBTQ+ legacy.
Award-winning artist Moy Mackay, born in Edinburgh in 1966 and a graduate of the Glasgow School of Art, creates vibrant, textured “felted paintings” using merino fleece fibres and stitch in place of traditional brush and paint. Now based in the picturesque Tweed Valley in the Scottish Borders, Moy merges the traditional craft of felt-making with fine art, developing a unique, painterly approach that balances spontaneity and control. Her passion for colour shines through in her luminous, richly hued textile landscapes, which evoke the untamed beauty of nature through the unpredictable yet forgiving process of carding and wet felting.
In Partnership with the University of Edinburgh and the Confucius Institute you can discover the story of Songjiang Cloth with us. On display outside of Asia for the very first time, Songjiang Cloth is one of China’s intangible cultural heritages. This ancient weaving technique has been preserved for over 700 years from the millennium-old Songjiang; the “Root of Shanghai” boasting a rich history and profound cultural heritage.
For the first time, we are thrilled to present sections from six different tapestries, all designed by Andrew and stitched by volunteers from across Scotland. Each tapestry panel tells not only the story depicted on it but also the story of the community it represents—whether through shared location, history, or experiences!
We are delighted to be bringing sections of The Prestonpans Tapestry, The Diaspora Tapestry, Craigmillar Tapestry, Renfrewshire Tapestry, The Battle of Pinkie Cleugh Tapestry and The Cancer Tapestry together, under one roof, for the first time.
Discover the story behind the stitches in this new temporary exhibition. Curated by by Dr. Andrew Crummy MBE, the visionary artist behind the Great Tapestry of Scotland, this is your chance to discover the story behind the drawing of the Great Tapestry of Scotland.
On the opening day of the exhibition we are excited to be hosting a unique talk from Andrew, where he will unravel the threads of his imagination, sharing fascinating insights into the creation of this extraordinary and globally renowned artistic achievement.
After the talk, enjoy an exclusive and private viewing of the exhibition with Andrew himself where he will unveil a new piece of artwork created for the exhibition. This opportunity to view some of his original sketches will give you an exclusive peek into the incredible design process – from the very first strokes of inspiration to the final breathtaking stitches!
Did you know that the Edinburgh Kashmir shawl industry predated the Paisley industry by forty years? In fact, Edinburgh weavers were the first in Britain to create replicas of the Kashmir shawls brought back from India, the first recorded being in 1767.
The turning point came in 1808 when Edinburgh weavers decided to outsource their production to Paisley. This move unleashed a wave of innovation, as the town introduced revolutionary jacquard looms that simplified the weaving of intricate designs. By the 1830s, Paisley had emerged as the epicentre of shawl production, outshining all other regions in Britain. In fact, the last Edinburgh shawl rolled off the loom in 1847, marking the end of an era. These beloved shawls soon became affectionately known as “Paisleys” across the globe.
Uncover with us the long-forgotten legacy of Edinburgh’s vibrant weaving industry. Immerse yourself in a display of these historic shawls from Heriot-Watt University’s Textile Collection. “A Passion for Paisley” is your exclusive ticket to explore the intricate threads of history, culture, and fashion that have woven Paisley’s enduring legacy. Don’t miss this chance to discover these captivating stories of a bygone era.
These two tapestries tell the life story of Julie Cope a fictional character created by Grayson Perry – an Essex everywoman whose story he has told through the two tapestries and extended ballad presented in the exhibition. The Essex House Tapestries: The Life of Julie Cope (2015) illustrate the key events in the heroine’s journey from her birth during the Canvey Island floods of 1953 to her untimely death in a tragic accident on a Colchester street. Rich in cultural and architectural details, the tapestries contain a social history of Essex and modern Britain that everyone can relate to.
The first one, titled In its Familiarity Golden, portrays Julie’s early years from birth to marriage. Her later years, second marriage and death in a motorbike accident are depicted in A Perfect Match.
The tapestries were created for a house in Essex designed by Perry for the Living Architecture project.
Grayson Perry trained as an artist at Portsmouth Polytechnic and became known for his large ceramic pots covered in irreverent texts and drawings. He won the Turner Prize in 2003 and became a Royal Academician in 2011.
People are such a big part of Scotland’s story. It is the people of Scotland, their achievements and their warmth that puts our country on the map. Indeed, the Great Tapestry of Scotland is an artwork born from the love of Scottish places, people and stories.
This great love is also at the heart of our opening Iconic Scotland exhibit, which continues the storytelling tradition that Scotland is renowned for the world over and showcases some of the country’s greatest achievements.
It features written and photographic contributions from over 40 iconic, inspiring and pioneering individuals from across Scotland. A number of associated artefacts are also on display including a signed Clanlands book from author and Outlander star Sam Heughan, Drew McIntyre’s WWE Championship belt, an embroidered purse on loan from nearby Traquair House, and a kilt created by 21st Century Kilts Designer Howie Nicholsby using an exclusive Great Tapestry of Scotland fabric designed by Lochcarron of Scotland.
Individuals featured include pioneers, trailblazers, global icons, musicians, songwriters, artists, authors, food champions, scientists, actors, sportspeople, human rights defenders, national heroes and more. Contributors include Sam Heughan, actress Joanna Lumley, rugby legends Doddie Weir and Chris Paterson, brewing pioneer and human rights campaigner Sir Geoff Palmer, singer KT Tunstall, Cbeebies star Mimi Robertson, footballer John Collins, solar energy pioneer Lesley Yellowlees, athlete Liz McColgan and Sir Walter Scott.
Every penny you spend with us is reinvested back into supporting the award winning Tapestry for future generations.
As a registered charity even making a small donation would help us to ensure the legacy of our award winning national asset, The People’s Story of Scotland.
