In 2009 the British Tapestry Group held an exhibition of small format tapestries woven by its members, across the two venues of Stirling Castle and the Smith Gallery and Museum.

Since the success of Tapestry ’08 exhibition held in Halifax, Yorkshire in 2008 our membership has grown both within the UK and internationally confounding the critics who say that tapestry is a dying art form – indeed the reverse is true there is something of a renaissance going on worldwide.

The remit for the exhibition was fairly open, with criteria being restricted to no bigger than A3 size; the result was a wide variety of subject matter, style, technique, colour and texture. Landscapes and travels were a popular theme for many, whilst people and place was open to many different interpretations.

From the beautifully fragile three dimensional work of Margaret Crowther’s “Drift” to the haunting image of “Flesh and Bones (Me and Ursula)” depicted by Anne Jackson, both challenged the medium of tapestry and delighted the viewers.

There were seven international and EU based artists participating in this exhibition as well as 40+ UK based artists. New Zealand based, Marilyn Rea-Menzies reflected on a bygone era in her piece “Sisters” with it’s almost print-like image and interesting style of woven surface. Raising a smile was the humourous work of Christopher M Sanders in his piece “Hells Bells” as well as the charming “Jac the Dog” by Jean Roberts.

On the opening weekend (12th & 13th September) the BTG is held a very successful conference and workshop weekend. Exhibiting artists Margaret Crowther, Anne Jackson and Joan Baxter facilitated three very different workshops that were enjoyed by all participants. So here is a selection of the work that was shown, there is at least one image from each participating artist. Copies of the exhibition brochure are available. There is a special offer on both this brochure and the Tapestry 08 catalogue while stocks last.

Clare Coyle
BTG secretary