Creative Response: 'Picking up the Thread: The Past, Present and Future of Tapestry', Dovecot Studios, Edinburgh, January 2026
On a dreary weekend spanning the end of January and the beginning of February 2026, I honoured my friend's generous invitation to visit them in their new hometown of Dunbar, Scotland. I'd been sent the train fare by cheque some months ago after my mum's funeral, and I'd booked the tickets and waited since then.
Amidst the stormy, moody, and wildly beautiful countryside of East Lothian, we caught up on news, wandered the town and coastline, ate and drank and marvelled at beautiful art work in local galleries.
We also took a day trip to Edinburgh, unashamedly tourist-like, with the main aim of visiting a much recommended exhibition at Dovecot Studios. My friend knew me well, chosing a textile based show: Picking up the Thread: The Past, Present & Future of Tapestry and which did not disappoint. There was a wide and varied response to the open call for artists and I found something to like in most pieces.
I had a go at sketching some of the pieces I liked the most; painting is not my strong suit, but I was proud to have taken the time to use the paints and sketchbook I'd packed and lugged 6 hours on the train, and to be reminded that it is through observation and slowing down that one can hear oneself the best.
A dreary day was transformed by colour and light and the beauty of woven strucutres of crafted delight.