The Friends of the Prestonpans Tapestries meet to hear all the latest developments.



Our exhibitions team, Sharon Beck and Arran Johnston (above), were on hand to great members of the Friends group at the Prestoungrange Gothenburg on Saturday (24th Jan). They were joined later by Andrew, Gillian and Yvonne. Since it was Burns’ weekend, the Global Panels were displayed – you can see Burns and his giant haggis in the centre of the photograph! Haggis balls topped the bill at the buffet, whilst old friends and new took the chance to catch up.

But there was also plenty of business on the agenda too, and Gordon Prestoungrange steered the assembled enthusiasts through the order of the day. The 2015 touring plans for the Prestonpans Tapestry were summarised, starting with New Lanark Mills where it is currently on display until 19th March, and then details of the Diaspora Tapestry’s European Tour 2015 were announced.

There was other news too. Arran Johnston explained how he was working at the University of the West of Scotland to evaluate the significance of the Diaspora Tapestry (left), for which reason he will be seeking to hear from all those involved in the stitching or designing of panels. Gordon Prestoungrange also announced the exciting news that, after five years of discussions, the Prestonpans Tapestry has now received in principle planning consent for a permanent home in Prestonpans. There’ll be a fresh fundraising campaign coming soon!

But of course the star of the afternoon was Rosemary Farmer (below) from Australia, one of the two stitchers behind the new Art of Narrative Embroidery book which was launched at the event. Sadly her colleague Maggie Ferguson could not be with us, but Rosemary was able to address the gathering and receive warm praise for their combined efforts. The book is now available for purchase, and it was certainly flying off the shelves on Saturday!

By Admin