MiK Re-addressing the Archive Exhibition

The Re-addressing the Archive collaboration brought together the highly developed needlework skills of the Kirkintilloch Embroiderers’ Guild with artist Myra Ostacchini’s cross-disciplinary approach to textiles, as they explored objects and narratives from within East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust’s archives and collections (EDLC). The Auld Kirk Museum and Archives offered the inspiration of Lion Foundry patterns and plans, Mining related materials, Roman history, Lace and Lappet, 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 project and process inspired different thinking as they explored what it was that drew each individual to these different narratives and objects and led to a wide range of forms and presentation. The renowned Kirkintilloch Lion Foundry offered inspiration for many of the works and a review of pattern books for the Lion Foundry and the many designs for decorative iron work these offered. From gates to railings and bandstands, these patterns were recreated in stitch, where the designs reveal another view and detail, almost like samplers of the many cast iron works around us.

Myra Ostacchini explored the history of local weaving, mills and looms, as well as foundry and ceramics in her specially commissioned film, drawing and textile works – exploring Collections’ objects through stories and personal experiences. All of the work researched and made during the collaboration, teased and pulled heritage and textile approaches into new places and forms. Every work was skilfully made by machine or hand, introducing us to the beauty and inherent magic of making, seen even in the associated names of stitches such as Holbein; Square algerian eye; Diamond smyrna; Double leviathan, amongst many others, all used creatively to re-imagine and re-address the archive.

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.