The Scottish Diaspora Tapestry – Grèis-BhratDiaspora na h-Alba

On international tour and coming to the West of Scotland.

6-22 September 2014, Open daily 10am-6pm   Free Entry

The Atrium, Anchor Mill, Paisley PA1 1JR

 

Weaving Musical Threads hosts The Scottish Diaspora Tapestry, a significant event for Homecoming 2014 telling the stories of the Scots abroad – their culture and influence across the world. Set to become a national asset with global appeal, it is personal and human, captivating and engaging and an outstanding achievement of artistry and craft –  not to be missed!

A creation of the Prestoungrange Arts Festival with designs by artist and illustrator Andrew Crummy and stitchers from 25 nations across the world, over 200 embroidered panels have been created which pay homage to the incredible determination and courage of Scots abroad over the centuries.  Included will be 2 panels created in Renfrewshire by the stitching group Paisley Patter: The Paisley Shawl depicting the rise of the shawl weaving industry in Paisley and Mills Around The World  featuring the Mile End Mill part of the Anchor Mill complex once owned by J & PO Coats.

 

Scots have migrated all over the world and have often had a profound impact on the areas where they settled. This project sees 25 such communities documenting their Scottish connections on a series of embroidered panels.From Sweden to Brazil, Australia to Canada, from Italy to China – tales of bravery, achievement and even tragedy. Famous Scots and the not so famous are represented. It is a reflection of personal experiences and human stories. Scots and their culture, be it the Burns Suppers, ceilidhs, invention or innovation, tartan or tweed, are notable across the globe. In the words of Prestoungrange: ‘What nation has provided the world with such an anthem as Auld Lang Syne that captures so beautifully the essence of its diaspora’.

 

Exhibition accompanied by a programme of events.  Visit www.weavingmusicalthreads.com for more information.

Author

Founder of Paisley.org.uk in 1998 and constantly strives to change peoples attitudes to the town, Brian is a self described Paisley Digital Champion who promotes Paisley via any means necessary. You can also follow me on X