This tapestry celebrates the shared language of mathematics, design and craftsmanship by expressing one of the world’s most famous numbers, Pi. Tapestry is closely connected to mathematics. The weaving of warp and weft yarns is a repeated pattern and each tapestry involves arithmetic, geometry, and an algorithm.
Pi (denoted by the Greek letter π) describes the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. While often shortened to 3.14, Pi is an infinite number with an irregular sequence of digits. The tapestry design transforms the first 1,024 decimal places of Pi into woven colour and form. Each digit from 0 to 9 is represented by a different blend of yarn shades that add vibrancy and depth. The proportions of the tapestry are based on a Golden Rectangle, whose side lengths follow the Golden Ratio (approximately 1:1.618). The shape appears throughout the history of art, architecture and the natural world and has long fascinated artists, architects and scientists due to its mathematical properties and visual harmony. By combining the Golden Ratio with Pi, the design connects two of the most enduring patterns found in mathematics with the ancient art of weaving.
Of note, among the hundreds of coloured squares, at entries 762 to 767 the digit 9 repeats six times. This occurrence is named the Feynman Point, after scientist Richard Feynman who famously remarked on memorising Pi to this point. Even in a completely random number, repeated digits can appear by chance. Nonetheless, this appearance is a notable feature of the tapestry about three-quarters of the way down. Dovecot’s mission is to sustain the art of tapestry weaving in Scotland. The Pi Tapestry was commissioned by Peter Tompkins with encouragement from Jenny Segal, both Chartered Actuaries, and other members of The Worshipful Company of Actuaries.
Actuaries use mathematics to help build models to make sense of future uncertain events or finances. Their science is used to measure mathematical representations of uncertainties, which help us understand the implications for projects, investments, insurance or pensions policies. Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh has one of the world’s leading actuarial science programmes.
Further information
Heriot Watt University | Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics