Fenwick: From The Loom, Lynda Graham

Opening event: 12 February, 6 to 8pm

Opening times: 13 to 22 February, 10am to 5pm

The artist:
Lynda is a Leith-based weaver who is interested in the dynamics of collective provision and the socio-economic structures within which artists work. She was involved in the setting up of the Collective Gallery in Edinburgh and for many years worked with the Scottish Artists Union (SAU). In 2024 Lynda was awarded ‘New Fabric of the Year’ by the Association of Glasgow Weavers.

About the exhibition:
On 14 March 1761, sixteen self-employed hand weavers in the Ayrshire village of Fenwick met in secret to sign a pledge of loyalty to one another to ‘…make good and sufficient work and exact neither higher nor lower prices than are accustomed.’ (1) Until then, the tradesmen and women of Fenwick had been dependant on the patronage of local landowners and the aristocracy.

The Fenwick weavers supported each other sharing resources, looms, food, apprenticeships, while also giving financial relief to weavers facing hardship. The collective went on to establish a library, a credit union and the Fenwick Parliament. This collective action led to the formation of the first cooperative movement in Britain (2) which in turn created a legacy that continues to extend across movements worldwide.

“Discovering the papers, maps and documents of the Fenwick Weavers’ Society in the National Library of Scotland (3), I have, over the past year, used them as inspiration in my practice, developing related handwoven and stitched textiles, prints and drawings.

I have observed both the fragility and strength of these organisations, so similar to paper or textiles, as they evolve and develop structures. Fragile threads woven together to create lasting, strong fabric.”

Screening:

‘On Weaving’, a film by Luke Fowler and Corin Sworn is showing on 19 February at 6.30pm. Book via Eventbrite.