Welcome to Dovecot
Dovecot Studios was founded in 1912 by the Marquess of Bute, a patron of the arts. The first weavers at Dovecot, Gordon Berry and John Glassbrook, came from the renowned William Morris Studios at Merton Abbey in Wimbledon. Dovecot’s first commission was for a series of monumental tapestries for the Marquess’ own home at Mount Stuart on the island of Bute.
In 1946, the studios were incorporated as The Edinburgh Tapestry Company. Dovecot soon became established as a leading contemporary fine art tapestry studio, with works commissioned for major public, corporate and academic institutions worldwide. As a key player in the renaissance of tapestry in the 20th century, Dovecot’s Master Weavers have worked with many leading contemporary artists including David Hockney, Henry Moore, Frank Stella and RB Kitaj.
Dovecot was re-established in 2001 with the financial support and backing of Alastair and Elizabeth Salvesen, who continue to be our most significant supporters. Under the direction of David Weir, Dovecot’s Master Weavers continue to work to commission, producing tapestry and tufted rugs for private and public collectors. Recent commissions include one of the largest tapestries woven in Britain, designed by leading British artist Alan Davie for the Medical School of the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary; a prestigious private heraldic commission; a new design by Dame Elizabeth Blackadder for a luxury liner; a design by Patrick Caulfield for the British Library, London; Claire Barclay on a sculptural work purchased by the Arts Council of England and David Poston for COLLECT, alongside commissions for private yachts and houses.
Although Dovecot has evolved through the decades, it remains unique in its highly creative collaboration between artist, weavers and commissioners. Each tapestry is the end product of a rich dialogue between all three, with the weavers interpreting, rather than simply translating, a given design into textile. Of primary importance has been the special relationship between each artist and the weavers.
In August 2008, Dovecot Studios moved into a new workshop in the renovated Victorian Baths on Infirmary Street, Edinburgh. As well as providing a permanent home for the tapestry studio, the building also houses two stunning gallery spaces which deliver high quality exhibitions exploring contemporary art, craft and design at an international level. The Dovecot 2012 Centenary Exhibition will receive its first showing in these gallery spaces.
In 2010, Dovecot Foundation was established to support the work of the studios and the wider programme.
In 2012, we will produce an exhibition and book: Dovecot 1912 – 2012: 100 Years of Contemporary Tapestry. This exhibition will be the first major exhibition of tapestry in Scotland for over 30 years and is the highlight of the Dovecot’s centenary year celebrations in 2012. Curated by Elizabeth Cumming, the exhibition will feature more than 60 tapestries, rugs and designs spanning 100 years of Dovecot history including iconic and rarely seen works by Alan Davie, Frank Stella, David Hockney, Elizabeth Blackadder, Louise Nevelson, Archie Brennan and Graham Sutherland amongst others.