Weaving Words, a retrospective exhibition showcasing the work of fibre artist Anna King opens at the National Museum of Scotland this weekend.

In Weaving Words: The Art of Anna S King, visitors will see an array of tapestries, woven textiles and baskets, paper and paper creations, as well as a number of experimental pieces.  Underlying all of King’s work is her fascination with words and text, which form the raw materials from which she derives her inspiration and ideas.  The exhibition also includes drawings which show how these ideas progress into their finished form.

Anna has exhibited across the world in countries including the USA, Australia, Japan, Spain, Belgium, Botswana, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and the Cayman Islands.  She initially combined her artistry with a teaching job at Edinburgh College of Art, but left in 1989 to concentrate solely on developing her work.  Weaving Words charts her development as an artist over more than twenty years.

Objects on show include beautifully executed early tapestries featuring elaborate pictorial designs, as well as her later works. 

Inspired by her life, each of her baskets has a story to tell, with narrative often woven through its construction.  Each is expertly produced and uses fibres ranging from pine needles, jute, cotton, linen and raffia to silk, nylon and plastic.

Rose Watban, curator of applied art and design at National Museums Scotland said “Anna continues to push boundaries and her work combines the creation of diminutive jewels of natural perfection with enchanting storytelling. I’m sure visitors will be enthralled by just how stunning and thought-provoking her creations are.”

Anna will be demonstrating her work in the National Museum of Scotland, revealing her skills in tapestry, paper, string and basket weaving. The four demonstrations are free of charge and take place on Saturdays 30 June, 28 July, 25 August and 29 September 2007, from 10am to 4pm – no booking required.

Weaving Words – The Art of Anna S King is on at the National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh from 15 June to 28 October 2007.  Open daily 10am to 5pm.  Admission free.

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