News / Exceptional display of organic wool works
VAILA Fine Art’s latest exhibition joins in the local celebrations for Wool Week 2012, demonstrating the beauty, versatility and practical qualities of real Shetland wool, writes Emma Miller.
The exhibition, by Shetland Organics, brings together a collection of works from a number of contributors. All the pieces are produced using organic Shetland wool which comes from six Shetland suppliers.
As you enter, the appropriate smell of lanolin penetrates through the gallery space, giving an additional sensory impact to the eye catching display of coloured raw fleeces and stunning knitted and felted pieces around the walls.
A soft grey felt coat created by Barbara Cluness is quite superb. There almost appears to be a halo around the garment, which was produced from felt batts made on a felting table at the North Ronaldsay micro mill, using Shetland organic fleece. The thick felt works very well with the cut of the coat, resulting in a very wearable item.
Some of the garments in the show are part of a building collection of works produced by Shetland Organics’ ‘out workers’.
The range of plain, Fair Isle and patterned jumpers, blankets, scarves, gloves and rugs is a true testament to the creative flair of the knitters, weavers and felters using this unique product.
A length of tweed fabric produced by the Isle of Mull Weavers from the very first batch of Shetland organic fleece winds around the inner room, creating a wonderful enveloping atmosphere. This complements very well the striking floor length hooded coat and matching kilted skirt made from the same material.
A two piece dress produced by Di Gilpin, which was recently shown at London Fashion Week, combines vibrant colours and interesting textures. Di originally approached Shetland Organics about using their product to create something special for the show and she was supplied with the organic wool to create this beautiful dress.
Local dress maker Lauraine Peterson has produced a stunning cape and skirt which have a lovely light and warm texture. The material was knitted by Eric Stewart from Shetland College using two-ply organic yarn in two different designs. It is difficult to resist the urge to feel the material as the quality is visible to the eye.
Single-ply lace cockleshell scarves hand knitted by Jean Keith from South Nesting show amazing attention to detail and fine work in the lace patterns. The natural colouring of the white scarves is mirrored by a collection of knitwear on the other side of the gallery, produced in two-ply yarn and including a child’s ‘Gunnister’ jumper with wonderful frilled detail.
Shetland Organics secretary Pete Glanville said: “People have said they love to knit with the organic wool. The inconsistency in the spun yarn gives an extra texture to even plain knitting and results in a fantastic finish.”
The texture and quality finish of the garments in this exhibition is clear to see. A great deal of thought has gone into the layout and content, with raw and carded fleece, rovings, and yarn all on show in addition to the impressive collection of knitwear and accessories.
It’s difficult to choose a favourite piece among the exceptional work on show. The exhibition is well worth a visit to admire the workmanship of the garments, quality of the raw fleece or to select a real work of art to wear as a practical and stylish addition to any wardrobe.
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