Langholm: Textile Town Exhibition
From 4th - 9th February we ran our exhibition Langholm: Textile Town, funded Dumfries and Galloway Regional Cultural Fund. We wanted to share with the public the rich relationship Langholm has with textiles. Not only from the industrial history it is founded on, but the modern people continuing on those skills. As one of the current organisations invested in textiles we felt we needed to celebrate the work of our small town and the people who make it happen.
The exhibition kicked off with our open night on the Tuesday, which was packed with local people, exhibitors and the press. The following days saw visits from the community and further afield, groups from Langholm Primary and the Day Centre.
Exhibitors
The exhibition itself had many contributors both industry based and local craftspeople. The Reid and Taylor archive pieces offered a look into the history of weaving and how a lot of the modern designs used today are inspired by traditional practices. The colours featured in many tweeds and tartans were originally taken from natural dyes sourced from the native plant life. The fabric samples from the archives capture those stories from their time even if they were manufactured using more modern techniques. We were very fortunate Kynoch of Scotland loaned them to us so we could share them with you all.
Some of our other neighbours also contributed towards the exhibition. Elliott's Shed was not only the location of the exhibition but also had a few pieces on display. The rustic setting provided an ambience that paired nicely with the works on display as well as offering insight into a working weave studio. Our other neighbours Drove Weavers and Yarns to Yearn For also loaned a few examples of their work. It is great to see Langholm still has a thriving textile industry.
We also had contributions from:
Rose's Wardrobe - the fashion and accessory brand owned by our founders Emma and Leanne Duncan
Hebbs Alpacas - a local Alpaca farm offering experience days and producing their own fleece, yarn and products
Burnfoot Wool - based in the Ewes Valley near Langholm, Burnfoot offers a range of yarns from their flock of South Country Cheviot x New Zealand Romney
Ann Smith - a local artist using felting to create beautiful textured scenes and 3D pieces
As some may know we have worked closely with these companies before, with Burnfoot and Hebbs being featured in both our online shop and scrap store, and Rose's Wardrobe being owned by our founders. The pieces from Yarns to Yearn For, Burnfoot Wool and Hebbs Alpacas educated us all about the origins of fibre, from fleece to yarn. It was fantastic to see where wool comes from and the high quality produced in our own town. The products from Rose's Wardrobe's provided lovely bookends to the textile journey, showing what can be made from the fabrics produced in Langholm. Seeing where it all started next to the final product really highlighted the skills and time which went into every piece on display.
We also had a display of community contributions from our very own In Stitches members. From old to new we had the privilege to see their pieces grow over the last few years. We were very grateful to be able to share their work with everyone - from needle felting and crochet to table loom samples and sewing, they lent us examples of practically every textile craft imaginable. They were the perfect contribution to represent the modern relationships the people of Langholm have with textiles.
Textile Tour
During exhibition week, we offered a tour of the local businesses working in the textile industry. FTS Dyers gave insight into how fabrics get their colours and the processes used. The scale of their setup was incredible and their facilities very impressive. They work with many titans of industry, dyeing yarn for huge brands such as Burberry and Emirates. You have probably seen their work before without knowing it and some may even have a piece dyed by FTS in their wardrobe. With so much attention being on the final product it was great to see more of the work that happens earlier on in the process.
Next stop, Kynoch of Scotland! Kynoch has produced woven fabrics in Scotland for over 200 years. With such a rich history in the trade they were a brilliant addition to the tour. From seeing examples of their older work in the exhibition to learning about their modern business practice, the experience was truly wonderful.
An opportunity to see weaving in action was presented to us with Drove Weavers. While they were only founded in the 1970s, they are still producing fabric on a large scale today. Originally a small blanket weaving company, Drove has expanded their repertoire and now works as a commission weaver, producing fabrics for major fashion houses and global brands. With weaving being such a traditional industry it was fantastic to see the facilities of a newer company and an inspiration for anyone wanting to take the leap into textile manufacturing.
We also visited Alan Miller at Yarns to Yearn for, where he explained how he rescues high quality yarns from mills all over the country as well as producing his own tartans: the Muckle Toon tartan and Yarns to Yearn for Tartan. Alan has worked in textiles in Langholm for decades, so he gave some great insights into the local industry.
Finally, we took a look at our own plans for the Textiles Hub, showing the tour group where our space will be and the architect’s plans for the building.
Events
FeltLoom Workshop
With help from Henrietta, who is currently doing work experience with us centred around the FeltLoom and wool fibre, we introduced our group to the machine. They all had a go at creating a panel using different colours and fibres.
Weaving Workshop
Using our handheld frame looms, attendees had a go at weaving a small piece which can be used as a coaster or sewn into an accessory.
Notes from Sheepland screening
We hosted two screenings of Notes from Sheepland, a unique documentary about an artist and farmer preparing for a breeding competition. The film was a great hit!
Thank you to everyone who contributed, volunteered and visited and to our funder Dumfries and Galloway Regional Cultural Fund!