This year Dovecot Studios celebrates one hundred years of contemporary tapestry production with a series of exhibitions, events and collaborations. First founded in a set of converted Victorian swimming baths by the Marquess of Bute, the studio evolved from William Morris’ renowned Merton Abbey Craft Studio, emerging to become one of Europe’s most recognised centres of excellence.
The centrepiece of the celebrations this summer is a major exhibition entitled ‘Weaving The Century: Tapestry from Dovecot Studios 1912-2012’. Running 13 July – 7th October the show will incorporate over sixty tapestries, rugs and works from Britain and America, and will include pieces by David Hockney, Paul Gaugin and Peter Blake, amongst others. In addition Dovecot and Lund Humphries will also be publishing a book called ‘The Art of Modern Tapestry: Dovecot Studios since 1912’.
The Art of Modern Tapestry: Dovecot Studios Since 1912
A series of new rug and tapestry commissions from a diverse range of leading artists created in collaboration with the master weavers at Dovecot will include a series by Sir Peter Blake and Monarch of the Glen, Dovecot Studios’ re-appropriation of Peter Saville’s appropriation of Sir Peter Blake’s appropriation of Sir Edwin Landseer’s 1851 painting of the same name!
Tapestry by Sir Peter Blake
Dovecot Studios’ re-appropriation of Peter Saville’s appropriation of Sir Peter Blake’s appropriation of Sir Edwin Landseer’s 1851 painting of Monarch of the Glen
Detail of Monarch of the Glen tapestry
Further events include ‘A Tapestry of Many Threads’, a musical performance by author Alexander McCall-Smith, taking audiences on a journey through Dovecot’s history.
