Acclaimed Chinese art exhibit brings vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations to textile heartland of Scotland

A highly acclaimed textile exhibit celebrating part of China’s intangible cultural heritage will make its UK debut when it goes on display at the Great Tapestry of Scotland!

Article Source: Great Tapestry of Scotland
Last Updated: 20 December 2024 11:54

European first: Acclaimed Chinese art exhibit brings vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations to Scotland’s textile heartland as it makes its UK debut

Never before seen outside of Asia, a highly acclaimed textile exhibit celebrating part of China’s intangible cultural heritage will make its UK debut when it goes on display at a leading Scottish visitor attraction from 17 January until 22 March 2025. Its opening at the award-winning Great Tapestry Scotland visitor centre in one of Scotland’s historic textile heartlands, will be marked with a vibrant programme of events and workshops celebrating the cultural ties between Scotland and China in the lead up to Chinese New Year 2025.

Reflecting the countries’ shared interest in textiles, From Home Weaving to the World’s Wardrobes: The Journey of Songjiang’s Cotton Textiles has been brought to Scotland in partnership with the University of Edinburgh, the Confucius Institute for Scotland and the Edinburgh College of Art. Opening weekend events on 18 January include a Chinese Tea Ceremony, Lion Dance, craft workshops and school trips for pupils at two Lothians’ schools who are currently learning Mandarin thanks to the Confucius Institute for Scotland.

Through a collection of textiles and garments chosen by artist Dong Ye, The Journey of Songjiang’s Cotton Textiles tells the story of an ancient cloth weaving technique which has been preserved for over 700 years in the millennium-old Songjiang district of Shanghai, often referred to as the ‘Root of Shanghai’. Much like Scotland’s iconic fabrics, the Songjiang textiles are widely recognised for their cultural importance to China, with its intricate weaving techniques, beautiful patterns, and ancient historical relevance to the Ming and Yuan Dynasties.

Sandy Maxwell-Forbes, Centre Director for The Great Tapestry of Scotland, one of the most visited attractions in the south of Scotland, said: “We’re thrilled to be the first venue in the UK to host this globally significant exhibit, and to be celebrating China and Scotland’s shared interest in textiles.

“It is incredibly apt that From Home Weaving to the World’s Wardrobes: The Journey of Songjiang’s Cotton Textiles should make its debut at our visitor centre in the Scottish Borders - one of Scotland’s own historic textile heartlands, where traditional methods of production are still used to this day to make garments for leading fashion designers including Dior, Vivienne Westwood, Chanel and more.

“The Great Tapestry of Scotland’s compelling account of the people’s story of Scotland from millions of years BC to present day, hand stitched by over 1,000 people across the country, reinforces how important it is to our nation to preserve our rich textile heritage and pass on the knowledge of these crafts to the next generation. This great passion is mirrored in the incredible Journey of Songjiang’s Cotton Textiles exhibit by artist Dong Ye. We are very excited to welcome him to Scotland.”

Explaining the significance of the exhibit, artist and curator Dong Ye, said (translated from Mandarin): “Songjiang textiles introduced me to the beauty of life. It is the foundation of my artistic expression and reflects the raw power of art to tell the stories of history, heritage and culture. The fabric represents the traditional life of the people of Songjiang and tells their story through time—past, present, and future. Celebrating this intangible heritage is crucial to preserving our cultural identity and revitalising our future through traditional craftsmanship.

“The rapid growth of cities and industrialisation has created friction between the past and the present, endangering the delicate skills of traditional textile production and the natural environment. By embracing the slow fashion movement rooted in these traditions, we can counteract this trend.

“I’m honoured that The Great Tapestry of Scotland has chosen to display the exhibit, so that more people have the chance to connect with the enduring legacy of Songjiang's textile heritage. Most of the textiles featured in my exhibit was woven on Songjiang before the 1960s, with some pieces boasting a history of over 100 years. Even the goods available for sale are crafted from these vintage fabrics, allowing visitors to personally experience the warmth and authenticity of traditional Songjiang textiles for themselves.”

Llinos Jones, General Manager at the Confucius Institute for Scotland added: “We proudly support initiatives that celebrate strong cultural ties between China and Scotland, and highlight the enduring value of traditional Chinese craftsmanship, like the Songjiang textile exhibit. Through showcasing this vibrant textile heritage, we create opportunities for cultural exchange and mutual appreciation between China and Scotland. Events like these remind us of the importance of preserving traditions while inspiring new generations to embrace sustainable practices and shared values. And it is fantastic that The Great Tapestry of Scotland is hosting such a visually spectacular opening event to celebrate its UK debut.”

In addition to the programme of events and workshops for visitors to enjoy, the Borders Community Rail Partnership has provided funding to support a series of visits for 44 primary school pupils from two schools in Midlothian that have been learning Mandarin thanks to the Confucius Institute for Scotland.

Speaking about what this means to them Miss Erin Murray, a teacher at Moorfoot Primary School in North Middleton, Midlothian said: “The children have absolutely loved learning Mandarin at school this year, and we’re incredibly excited that the Great Tapestry of Scotland, Confucius Institute for Scotland, and the Borders Rail Partnership are giving our pupils the opportunity to learn even more about Chinese culture. This is fantastic way of equipping children with extra skills that are an indispensable part of a diverse, open minded and globally successful society and economy.”

Councillor Euan Jardine, Council Leader at Scottish Borders Council added: “It is brilliant to see that Songjiang textiles will be exhibited for the first time in the UK at The Great Tapestry of Scotland. This important exhibit showcases the rich textile traditions of Songjiang and reinforces the deep cultural connections between Scotland, particularly the Scottish Borders, and China, both renowned for their proud weaving and craftsmanship. Through its programme of workshops, events and school visits, it also supports Scotland’s aim to create opportunities for culture, heritage and creative excellence to flourish.

“Home to one of the world’s largest community arts projects handcrafted by over 1,000 people, situated in the Scottish Borders in the heart of Scotland's historic textile industry, The Great Tapestry of Scotland centre really is the perfect venue for the exhibit’s UK debut. I’m sure the exhibit will inspire all visitors to explore the enduring legacies of both our cultures

“We’re incredibly lucky to have this inspiring cultural hub on our doorstep telling our unique story of Scotland, delivering jobs, making a contribution to our economy and supporting accessibility and wellbeing for everyone in the community.”

Tickets for the exhibit’s special opening celebration on 18 January are now available online. This event will give visitors the chance to hear from Dong Ye and to immerse themselves in Chinese culture. Activities and workshops taking place throughout the day include a Chinese Tea Ceremony, a traditional lion dance, and a Chinese calligraphy workshop. There will also be an opportunity for visitors to weave their very own piece of Songjiang cloth.

The Great Tapestry of Scotland visitor centre was purpose-built to house one of the world’s longest tapestries, which tells a visually compelling account of the people’s story of Scotland from millions of years BC to present day through 160 panels. Holder of a Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Award, the centre is ranked in the top 10 per cent of Tripadvisor listings around the world, and is one of the most visited attractions in southern Scotland. It features two galleries, a café, workshop space and shop.

For more information, including opening times and ticket prices, and more information about From Home Weaving to the World’s Wardrobes: The Journey of Songjiang’s Cotton Textiles visit www.greattapestryofscotland.com

Image: Artist and curator Dong Ye

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