Every year, thousands of visitors queue to see the world-famous Bayeux Tapestry, which depicts the events leading up to the Norman conquest of England.
Closer to home, there’s a chance to see a tapestry that has every chance of becoming equally famous, The Great Tapestry of Scotland, which has gone on display at Aberdeen Art Gallery.
Created as a result of Scotland’s largest-ever community arts project, the magnificent embroidered tapestry measures nearly 500ft and depicts the history of Scotland.
This incredible project was spearheaded by popular author Alexander McCall Smith, along with historian Alistair Moffat and artist Andrew Crummy, who designed 160 historical panels, each depicting key moments from Scotland’s past, from prehistory to the 21st century.
The artwork was then adapted for stitch by Dorie Wilkie and, across the length and breadth of Scotland, more than 1,000 stitchers – including many from the north-east – worked tirelessly for two years to create this beautiful homage to Scotland’s past.
Alexander McCall Smith said: “I am delighted that people in Aberdeen and the north-east of Scotland will now be able to see this wonderful work of art.
“Volunteers from the area helped to create this and now they and their families will be able to enjoy the tapestry during its stay in Aberdeen.”
It is, quite simply, a masterpiece that should be seen by everyone.
Every panel tells a little bit about a part of Scotland’s history, from the first settlers to the reconvening of the Scottish Parliament, from Bonnie Prince Charlie to football legend Archie Gemmill, and from Mary Queen of Scots to the sinking of the HMY Iolaire off Stornoway in 1919.
The tapestry will be on display until Saturday, April 19. During its visit to the Granite City, a number of free activities and events will be held at the gallery on Schoolhill.
Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums learning manager Fiona Mair added: “All the activities and events are free of charge, thanks to the generosity of our creative partners, giving their time and expertise voluntarily.”
The next of these takes place on Friday, February 28, when textile artist Carol Meldrum hosts two knitting workshops, one for beginners at 10.30am and an intermediate workshop (basic knitting skills required) at 2pm.
Carol’s work is inspired by Scotland’s textile traditions, from tartan to Fair Isle, which she will use to inspire participants to start knitting or expand their knitting repertoire.
On Saturday, March 8, Andrew Crummy, the artist and designer of the tapestry, will share his experience of being involved in this remarkable project at a hour-long talk, starting at 2pm.
Bruce Duncan, who co-ordinated the making of Panel 85 of The Great Tapestry of Scotland, and stitched about 60% of the panel himself, will host a stitching workshop on Saturday, March 15.
In these workshops, he will take participants through the techniques used in creating the tapestry.
A beginners workshop starts at 10.30am and an intermediate one at 2pm.
On Sunday, March 16, Dorie Wilkie and Alison Black are in conversation, sharing stories of working on the tapestry, from 2-3.30pm.
Dorie Wilkie was responsible for supervising sewing techniques, running workshops, visiting the stitching groups to offer advice, co-ordinating all of the volunteers, keeping spirits high and preparing the finished tapestry for exhibition, while Alison co-ordinated the Kelly’s Cats group in Aberdeen, which stitched Panel 129.
Alison returns to the gallery on Wednesday, March 19, for a 30-minute lunchtime talk during which she will chat about working with local group Kelly’s Cats. The talk starts at 1.20pm.
Last but not least, textile artist Jennifer McHardy will host a workshop making individual sweetheart pincushions on Saturday, March 29.
Suitable for intermediate-level stitchers and lasting an hour, the class will create the cushions which were often made by soldiers to send home to their loved ones, which is poignant as this year marks the centenary of the outbreak of World War I.
Lots of techniques will be involved, including appliqueé, beading and embroidery.
Like all these activities, this class is free, but advance booking for all is essential on 01224 523677.
What: The Great Tapestry of Scotland.
Where: Aberdeen Art Gallery, Schoolhill, Aberdeen.
When: It is on display until Saturday, April 19, 2014. The Gallery is open from 10am-5pm, Tuesday to Saturday, and from 1-4pm on Sundays.
Cost: Admission is free.
Contact: Visit the website: www.aagm.co.uk