Great Tapestry of Scotland gallery revealed as new home for compelling Grayson Perry exhibit
The new Great Tapestry of Scotland visitor centre, where Scotland’s story begins, has today been revealed as the next home for The Essex House Tapestries: Life of Julie Cope.
Article Source: Great Tapestry of Scotland
Last Updated: 16 March 2022 11:58
The exhibit by the globally renowned contemporary artist Grayson Perry will be displayed in the centre’s Gallery 1420 from 18 March to 14 August 2022, the Year of Stories.
The latest exhibit, provided by The Crafts Council Collection, continues the five-star centre’s world-renowned reputation for storytelling through the medium of tapestry and textiles. The architectural-award-winning building, located in Galashiels in the Scottish Borders was purpose built to house The Great Tapestry of Scotland, which tells the people’s true story of Scotland from millions of years BC to present day.
Grayson Perry’s Essex House Tapestries mirror this compelling visual storytelling, but this time the subject is the life story of a fictional character called Julie Cope. Grayson describes the artworks as depicting “the trials, tribulations, celebrations and mistakes of an average life.” The two tapestry panels follow key moments in Julie’s life from her birth to her untimely death following a motorbike accident.
Speaking about the exhibit, Sandy Maxwell-Forbes, Great Tapestry of Scotland Centre Director for the cultural charity Live Borders said: “We’re absolutely delighted to host Grayson Perry’s Essex House Tapestries, particularly during the Year of Stories. Just like The Great Tapestry of Scotland, these rich and vibrant works of art tell an incredibly moving everyday life story of joy and heartbreak. Visitors to the exhibit will experience almost every emotion as they take an amazing sensory journey for the eyes and ears.”
“Grayson’s Tapestries particularly exemplify his love and understanding of the versatility of textiles as a creative medium, so it is fantastic that our stunning new purpose-built building has allowed us to bring them to Galashiels, the heartland of one of UK’s premier textile regions in The Scottish Borders.”
In addition to Grayson Perry’s acclaimed Essex House Tapestries, the exhibit in the Great Tapestry of Scotland’s Gallery 1420 will feature the Turner Prize winning artist’s own audio narration of Julie’s story.
The Essex House Tapestries: Life of Julie Cope is part of The Crafts Council Collection - the first public collection in the world to acquire any work from this series. It was acquired with assistance from the Wolfson Foundation.
Speaking of the acquisition, Sumitra Upham, Head of Public Programmes at Crafts Council said: “We acquired the two tapestries in 2016 as we were struck by Perry’s creation of Julie Cope, a fictional Essex woman and her life’s trials and tribulations. Rich in cultural and architectural details, the tapestries reflect a social history of Essex and issues of class and wealth distinct to modern Britain.”
Sandy Maxwell-Forbes added: “As can be seen through both The Great Tapestry of Scotland and Grayson’s artwork, tapestry is a fantastic story telling medium, as it provides the opportunity to create so many different textures through expert selection of patterns and tensions – from a crumpled crisp packet to the movement of flowing water.”
Similar to The Great Tapestry of Scotland artist Andrew Crummy, in order to produce the Tapestries Perry worked closely with tapestry weavers to translate the vivid 1970’s colour palette of his original digital drawings into a woven textile.
A description on the Crafts Council website says: “Like an Impressionist painter, through his Essex House Tapestries Grayson Perry maintains the vibrancy of the palette through a combination of woven colours that are blended by the viewer’s eye.”
The Essex House Tapestries: Life of Julie Cope will be displayed in The Great Tapestry of Scotland’s Gallery 1420 from 18 March to 14 August 2022, the Year of Stories. Standard admission to exhibit will be £5.
The Great Tapestry of Scotland is operated by the charity Live Borders, which manages many of the cultural and leisure facilities in the Scottish Borders, including the five-star Jim Clark Motorsport Museum and the Heart of Hawick entertainment venue.
The brainchild of Alexander McCall Smith, The Great Tapestry of Scotland is one of the world’s largest community arts projects. It was hand-stitched by a team of 1,000 stitchers from across Scotland, using 160 linen panels and over 300 miles of wool (enough to lay the entire length of Scotland from the border with England to the tip of Shetland). The panels were designed by artist Andrew Crummy, based on a narrative written by Scottish Borders-based award-winning writer and historian Alistair Moffat.
In addition to two galleries, the centre is home to a cafe and workshops that allow participants to meet and learn from makers in one of the UK’s premier textile regions.
The visitor centre is currently open to the public from Thursday to Monday, 9.30am to 5pm and The Stitchers Cafe is open Thursday to Monday 10am to 4pm. From the 4 April 2022, the Centre will be open 7 days a week. Ticket prices to view the Great Tapestry of Scotland vary.
To book, or for more information visit https://www.greattapestryofscotland.com/
Image Credit: Grayson Perry/ The Crafts Council Collection.
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Sci Fi Galactic Adventures exhibition opening at Riverside Museum
Glasgow's Riverside Museum is giving visitors a chance to step into a galaxy far, far away and experience the magic of the world’s favourite space saga.
READ MORE
The Quay raises thousands in 2024 for local charities
Staff from the multi award-winning entertainment complex in the Southside of Glasgow ended 2024 by supporting nine charities throughout the year and raising £8650 for a range of wonderful causes.
READ MORE
Silverburn announces record breaking footfall in 2024 with new retail and leisure additions to boost 2025 growth
Silverburn, Glasgow's leading retail and leisure destination, has announced a record-breaking year, surpassing its previous record year in 2023 by 42,000 visitors.
READ MORE
Strike a PAWse: Brand new Valentine event for dogs at Dobbies
Dobbies is encouraging paw-rents across the UK to show their pooches some love this Valentine's Day at its brand-new dog event that will raise money for national dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust.
READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival announces biggest programme for 2025
Glasgow International Comedy Festival has unveiled the line up for the 2025 festival, which will be its biggest ever event, with over 550 shows taking place in venues across the city!
READ MORE
BrewDog launches brand new Touchdown Lager ahead of big game watch parties in Glasgow and Edinburgh
BrewDog, is partnering with Tesco to launch a brand new grid-iron inspired Wingman Lager. If only there was a massive game coming up that it could tie-in perfectly with...
READ MORE
Brace yourselves, burger lovers... Veganuary just got an upgrade!
Veganuary is well and truly underway and Fat Hippo's BurgerLab has been cooking up a limited-edition vegan masterpiece that proves going vegan doesn't mean skimping on the good stuff!
READ MORE
Glasgow counts down to premier winter festival Celtic Connections 2025
Glasgow, a UNESCO City of Music, is counting down to hosting the premier winter festival Celtic Connections, in partnership with Innis & Gunn.
READ MORE
Calling all Gingers!
The IRN-BRU Carnival is showing appreciation to any fellow fiery headed pals by offering a free ride voucher to anyone visiting with ginger hair on Sunday 12th January!
READ MORE
Announcing the Shish Mahal SauceOff Festival, coming to Glasgow this Summer
In celebration of their rich heritage and the vibrant hot sauce culture that has emerged globally, Shish Mahal is thrilled to announce the inaugural Shish Mahal SauceOff Festival, coming in Summer!
READ MORE
Buchanan Galleries breaks fundraising record for Childrens Hospital Charity for second year running
The centre, which launched a series of festive fundraising initiatives in collaboration with the charity, raised more than £75K, surpassing last year's total by £17K.
READ MORE
First Minister John Swinney launches the Doddie Aid 2025 campaign
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney launches the Doddie Aid 2025 campaign at Murrayfield stadium.
READ MORE
Christmas is officially here... the IRN BRU Carnival launches for the festive season
Today, Friday 20 December, the IRN-BRU Carnival officially opens to the public, bringing all the fun of the fair to Glasgow's SEC for the 105th year!
READ MORE
Back by popular demand: Murder on the Midnight Express returns to Somewhere By Nico
Back by popular demand, Murder on the Midnight Express is making its highly anticipated return to Somewhere by Nico in Edinburgh and Glasgow for a limited time only.
READ MORE
Glasgow Mat Pilates Studio looks to add NEW Classes to bring people together
Move Train Eat is set to grow its timetable in 2025 with the aim of helping people move better and connect with like-minded people, as they enter new phases of life.
READ MORE
Room to Recharge: Kimpton Hotels in Scotland launch new wellness program, Stay Well
Kimpton Hotels in Edinburgh and Glasgow have launched 'Stay Well', a new wellness-first initiative designed to help guests 'feel good, travel better, and stay well' while travelling.
READ MORE
Wicked fans in Scotland invited to special Sing Along screenings at Vue this Boxing Day
After becoming one of the most popular big screen releases of 2024, Vue is excited to announce that an extra special sing-along version of Wicked is heading to the big screen this Boxing Day.
READ MORE
Funding win marks anniversary of Mackintosh acquisition
A generous package of funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has been pledged to the National Trust for Scotland to celebrate the genius of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald.
READ MORE
Braehead Shopping Centre celebrates 10 new openings in 2024
Braehead Shopping Centre has had an incredible year in 2024, marked by a wave of exciting new stores that have reinforced its position as one of Scotland's leading shopping destinations.
READ MORE
Glasgow Fort confirms festive opening hours
Glasgow Fort has confirmed its festive opening times for last minute shopping and anyone planning a day out with family and friends over the Christmas period.
READ MORE
Caledonian Sleeper announces winners of photography competition celebrating UK beauty spots
Caledonian Sleeper has announced the winners of its photography competition aimed at celebrating the country's most scenic locations on the overnight train's iconic route.
READ MORE
Citizens Theatre announces first stage production for its reopening in 2025
The Citizens Theatre announces Small Acts of Love as the show which will reopen the theatre in 2025.
READ MORE
Garden Centre invites budding indoor gardeners to its stores
Dobbies Garden Centres is kicking off the new year on a green note, offering two free workshops at its Scottish stores this January.
READ MORE
Acclaimed lecture by Panto legend Johnny McKnight returns for one off performance
Stage star and Panto legend Johnny McKnight will take to the stage once more, in 2025, for a one-off performance of his acclaimed lecture She's Behind You at The Pavilion Theatre.
READ MORE
Ticketmaster announces Breakthrough 2025 list
Ticketmaster has unveiled its much-anticipated Breakthrough 2025 list, highlighting the brightest up-and-coming stars set to shape the live music scene in 2025.
READ MORE
Pioneering new partnership between Buchanan Galleries and The White Company Makes perfect scents this Christmas
Buchanan Galleries has joined forces with The White Company in a pioneering new partnership that’s not to be sniffed at.
READ MORE
Blooming Fabulous! The Scottish Garden Festival arrives in 2025!
This family-friendly festival takes place in the spacious and scenic Hamilton Park Racecourse, offering a perfect setting for all ages to enjoy.
READ MORE
Crossbasket Castle announces grand opening date of its new luxury development
Crossbasket Castle will deliver one of Scotland’s newest and most exciting five-star hospitality experiences, with a unique restaurant by Michelin Star Chef Michel Roux.
READ MORE
OVO Hydro to spread holiday cheer with ticket giveaway
OVO Hydro, Scotland's Home of Live Entertainment, is spreading holiday cheer with a festive giveaway and support for Nordoff & Robbins music therapy charity.
READ MORE
Biffy Clyro, Young Fathers & Callum Beattie among winners at inaugural Scottish Live Music Awards
The Scottish Live Music Awards (SLMA) celebrated the best of Scotland's vibrant live music scene on Thursday night during a prestigious ceremony at Glasgow's Classic Grand Ballroom.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links