MiK Re-addressing the Archive research and process

Re-addressing the Archive was our penultimate pilot exhibition and was the climax of a collaboration between artist/maker Myra Ostacchini and Kirkintilloch Embroiderers’ Guild. The Auld Kirk Museum and Archives offered the inspiration of Lion Foundry patterns and plans, Mining related materials, Roman history, fine lace and lappet work, Temperance reminiscences and Campsie Ware to name only a snapshot, through which to research and develop traditional embroidery skills into new and diverse forms. The arising works tease and pull heritage and textile approaches to make a new and contemporary take on heritage. Newly commissioned Film, Drawing and Textile works by Myra Ostacchini also formed part of the exhibition.

Kirkintilloch Embroiderers’ Guild is a branch of the Embroiderers’ Guild, which, is a national charity promoting embroidery and textile art. The Kirkintilloch branch stages exhibitions and teaches its members all types of needlework and textile skills, from traditional techniques through to more contemporary mixed media. Participants were: June Allison; Ruth Blakey; Ishbel Buck; Eleanor Cordiner; Pamela Diffin; Susan Gray; Jane Logan; Maris MacNab; Jean Pless; Louise Reid.

The MiK Exhibitions and Community Engagement programme was a year long pilot of exhibitions, realised through a collaboration between local groups in the community, artists and the Made in Kirkintilloch project. Each exhibition drew on local heritage knowledge and interest as a catalyst for exhibition-making. The programme was developed by Fiona Dean working with communities, artists and EDLC staff.