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Notes
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This tapestry was inspired by the colours of Edinburgh’s Old Town and the flags that flew during the opening of the Scottish Parliament on 1st July 1999. It explores ideas about Scotland’s history and place in the world. The artist is interested in the idea that ‘home’ is where our ancestors are buried, represented by the Xs woven in the tapestry. Neil Ascherson's writing was a key inspiration ‘We may all be Europeans now, but within this ring of stars Scotland is still our own special place – the field of our endeavours. Territory/Home is ultimately where our dead are buried.’ The heart symbol refers to endeavour, and to the story of Robert the Bruce watching a spider persisting in spinning its web. On the left hand side of the tapestry, using an abstract alphabet, other names for Scotland are featured – Scotland, Alba, Caledonia, Pictland and Scotia.
The Scottish Parliament
Edinburgh
Title
Fields of Endeavour: Territory II
Date
2004
Medium
Gobelin tapestry; cotton, wool, linen & flax
Measurements
H 183 x W 305 cm
Accession number
2004.069
Acquisition method
commissioned
Work type
Textile art
Signature/marks description
text about the weaving of the tapestry features on the right hand side of the textile 'S P tapestry woven by MH and SM from Perth, at Edinburgh, springsummer MMIV (2004) + EL from Oslo and AH'
Inscription description
inspired by Edwin Muir's poem 'Scotland 1941' – ‘We are a family, a tribe, a people’; Alain Chartier, Chancellor of Bayeux in 1427 ‘A faithful nation, most worthy of friendship and renown!’; Tacitus, the Roman writer, in his book 'Agricola', puts these words in the mouth of Caledonian leader Calgacus at the Battle of Mons Graupius 'Act now, unconquered Scotland! Minding your fathers and your heirs!’
