Weaving a Colourful Summer at Weston Park’s Granary Art Gallery
An historic estate on the Shropshire/Staffordshire border, which is steeped in tapestry history, will be the backdrop for a stunning exhibition of contemporary tapestries this summer.
Interconnections 4, featuring unique tapestry by some of the leading weavers from Ireland and Scotland, will visit Weston Park from June 4 until August 31 and will fill the free-entry Granary Art Gallery with colourful and inspiring works.
Gareth Williams, curator & head of learning to the Weston Park Foundation, said the Weston-under-Lizard estate was a fitting location for the display in view of its own historical associations.
He said: “Weston Park has a long history of connection with the materials, practice and the products of tapestry weaving and so we’re thrilled to be showcasing current talent in this superb exhibition.
“The Bridgeman family – who gifted Weston Park to the nation in 1986 – were important patrons of tapestry weaving and evidence of this can be seen in the collection of the house as well as in a number of other UK locations.
“The house is home to the superb set of French Gobelin tapestries commissioned for Weston by Sir Henry Bridgeman in the 1760s and which is one of only six sets of this type that were made for British patrons.
“We’re now delighted to bring the story of tapestry-weaving up to date with this three-month exhibition of contemporary tapestry artists from Ireland and Scotland.”
Visitors to the exhibition, in Weston Park’s Granary Art Gallery, will see about 40 stunning and unique hand-woven tapestries, of all sizes and across a wide range of themes. The exhibition and its activities have been made possible thanks to generous funding from the Drapers Company, the Weavers’ Company, CCLA Investment Management and with support provided by the Shrewsbury Drapers’ Company.
A series of workshops, talks and events is planned alongside the display, and there will be opportunities to meet some of the artists. In addition, Weston Park is also welcoming a number of schools from across the region who are participating in weaving-related activities, as a part of their studies, which are being provided specifically thanks to the Weavers’ Company.
The exhibition itself is a collaboration between the eight professional tapestry artists: Frances Crowe, Mary Cuthbert, Terry Dunne and Angela Forte from Ireland, and Joan Baxter, John Brennan, Clare Coyle and Elizabeth Radcliffe from Scotland. It therefore represents a rare opportunity to see the work of these artists in one location.
Gareth added: “I think everyone who comes to see the exhibition will be blown away by the beauty, colour and sheer technical virtuosity of the work. We are excited to be hosting such an incredible display and we are indebted to the generosity of the funders who have made the exhibition possible and also widened Weston Park’s opportunity for educational activities.”
For more information about Weston Park visit https://www.weston-park.com/