• Magical Patterns: Nature & Textiles from William Morris to IKEA

The history of textile design highlights radical changes in our taste for pattern. As a tapestry studio founded with weavers trained by William Morris, Dovecot has interpreted the natural world through many magical patterns in tapestry. This talk will explore changing fashions for pattern from the Arts & Crafts Movement to Pop Art, Postmodernism and Minimalism. The talk complements a major new exhibition at Dovecot Studios (until January 2026) on IKEA, which explores how one company has become a nursery for experimental artists and designers working in pattern.

This event is part of Art History Festival 2025 organised by the Association for Art History.

 

Free Admission

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Every ticket sold supports the work of The Dovecot Foundation to advance visual art, craft and design in all its forms.

Please note that tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable and may not be exchanged.

If you are unable to attend, please contact Dovecot on 0131 550 3660 or info@dovecotstudios.com to inform the Front of House team.

Association for Art History
IKEA: Magical Patterns

IKEA: Magical Patterns

18 July 2025 to 17 January 2026
Paid admission

Delve into six decades of groundbreaking textile design by IKEA. The exhibition features 180 iconic fabrics that showcase the rich history of the Swedish furniture retailer's commitment to innovation, collaboration, and experimental design.

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*Please note that our café will be closing early during the following days:

Café

Monday 1 July – Friday 17 July: 9.30am–3pm

Saturday: 10am–4pm

 

Gallery & Shop

Monday–Saturday: 10am–5pm

*Please note our gallery is currently closed due to exhibition installation for Costume Couture: Sixty Years of Cosprop.

Tapestry Studio Viewing Balcony

Monday–Friday: 12pm–3pm

Saturday: 10am–5pm

 

Festival Sunday Openings

We will also be open on Sundays 9, 16, 23 and 30 August as part of the festival.

Sunday opening hours:
Dovecot Studios: 10am–5pm
Dovecot Studios Café: 10am–4pm
Tapestry Studio Viewing Balcony: 10am–5pm