23.09.2013
The Great Tapestry of Scotland is to return to Holyrood next year for a second time following its hugely popular first ever public showing at the Scottish Parliament. It will be exhibited for three months between July and September.
The announcement that the Tapestry will return to the Parliament, by the Presiding Officer, comes after approximately 30,000 people visited the world’s longest tapestry during September.
The Tapestry’s final day in the Parliament is today (21 September) when thousands of visitors are expected to get a final glimpse of the artwork in the Parliament.
Presiding Officer, the Rt Hon Tricia Marwick MSP said:
“This exhibition has attracted tens of thousands of people from across Scotland and beyond, making it one of the most successful exhibitions ever displayed at the Parliament.
“The Tapestry’s attraction is not only in the beautifully detailed panels that depict everything from politics to popular culture, but that it was created by the people of Scotland for the people of Scotland.
“I am delighted to be able to announce that the Tapestry will come back to the Parliament in 2014, to allow thousands of people the opportunity to witness this fantastic display of Scotland’s history.”
Historian Alistair Moffat who was involved in devising what should be included in the exhibition said:
“There was no better place than the Scottish Parliament to launch the Great Tapestry of Scotland.
“At the heart of our democracy, it looked stunning and Scots came in droves to see it, queuing patiently to look at the gorgeous panels in what was a curiously intimate experience. The staff at the Parliament were superb, coping brilliantly with the huge numbers, unfailingly courteous and helpful.
“I am delighted that the tapestry will return for three months in 2014, as part of what will be the year of Homecoming Scotland.”
Background
The exact dates that the Tapestry will return to the Scottish Parliament during July to September will be confirmed early next year.
Measuring 143 metres long, the Great Tapestry of Scotland is the longest in the world. The 160 beautifully detailed panels capture unique moments in time during Scotland’s 420 million year history. This unique piece of art was devised by Scottish author Alexander McCall Smith along with historian Alistair Moffat and artist Andrew Crummy.
One thousand stitchers aged from 4 to 94 brought Scotland’s history to life through embroidery, which took more than 50,000 hours to complete.
The Great Tapestry of Scotland Charitable Trust plan to announce touring dates for 2013-2014 in the near future.