Great Tapestry of Scotland
The Great Tapestry of Scotland, one of the UK’s largest ever community arts projects, and the world’s longest embroidered tapestry, is coming to Clackmannanshire for the first time, hosted by CTSI in partnership with Clackmannanshire Council.
Coming soon to Clacks – 29th May – 18th August 2017 Speirs Centre, Alloa
What is the Tapestry and why is it important?
The Tapestry tells 420 million years of Scottish history and was completed by over 1000 stitchers across Scotland including local stitching group, ‘Needles and Gins’ from Tillicoultry. It is much longer than even the Bayeux Tapestry reaching over 140 metres. The project was originally spear-headed by best-selling author Alexander McCall Smith who together with historian Alistair Moffat, artist Andrew Crummy and stitch co-ordinator, Dorie Wilkie designed over 160 historical panels each depicting a moment from Scotland’s past, from pre-history right up to the 21st century.
What will be on display?
The Speirs Centre will have on display 137 panels at one time in two areas of the library. 70 metres will be on display in the Lesser Hall and around 50 metres will be hanging around the iconic balcony of the Centre watched over by its famous dragon heads. Mid July, the tapestry the panels that were hanging in the main body of the library will swap over and be on display in the Lesser Hall. This will allow visitors the opportunity to view the panels close up and see the beauty of the stitching and artistry in detail. We would encourage everyone to visit at least twice to fully enjoy the spectacle of this magnificent community art project – and it won’t cost you a penny. For full details of the panels on display please see here Details of the panels