News: Wallace Tapestries

Inspired by the intricate lettering of the historic parchments, the textile designs hung proudly behind each of the exhibits, the only surviving letters known to be directly connected to William Wallace. The legendary hero led the Scots to a key victory over English forces at Stirling Bridge in 1297, as part of a struggle for independence. He was hung, drawn and quartered for high treason in 1305.

The two tapestries, measuring over 2 x 1 metres, have been designed and woven by Dovecot Master Weaver David Cochrane and Dovecot apprentice weavers Emily Fogarty and Freya Sewell. The tapestries have taken over two months to weave using traditional hand weaving techniques on upright looms. The designs incorporate sections of script from the two iconic documents and were crafted using a mixture of spun wools, cottons and silks.

Dovecot Studios were originally founded in 1912 by the Marquess of Bute, a patron of the arts. The first weavers came from William Morris' Merton Abbey workshop and the first commission was for a series of monumental tapestries for the Marquess' own home at Mount Stuart on the island of Bute.

The tapestries were unveiled by Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop at Dovecot Studios. She said "The Wallace Exhibition is of tremendous importance, providing a unique opportunity for the people of Scotland to see these two historic documents side by side. These bespoke tapestries have been carefully crafted by skilled weavers using traditional techniques which - like the letters - have stood the test of time. They will provide a beautiful and fitting backdrop, to add to the fascinating experience that the exhibition will deliver."

George MacKenzie, Keeper of the Records of Scotland, said "I'm excited about the tapestries in our exhibition on William Wallace, which will add a whole new dimension for visitors. It's fascinating that the weavers are using methods Wallace would recognise if he were alive today".

The exhibition was presented by the National Records of Scotland in partnership with the Scottish Parliament, The National Archives, London, and the Hansestadt Lübeck Archives and ran in conjunction with the Festival of Politics 2012.