Tapestry: Exploring Texture (10 credit points)

Pre-requisites for enrolment

None.

Content of Course

Over the class sessions the course will cover:

1. Introduction to historic and contemporary tapestry.

2. Explore a range of traditional non traditional weaving materials.

3. Creating surface and texture in weave using, knots, tufting, floating weft and extra warps.

4. Developing a research journal/sketchbooks.

5. Developing a personal project.

6. Interpreting designs for tapestry.

7. Presenting your work.

Teaching method(s)

The teaching will be based and delivered in specialist art and design studios or workshops and will typically include a range of practical exercises, introductions to techniques, processes and concepts, and set projects which lead to more focused and personal exploration. Over the course, students’ progress will be monitored and supported by the tutor.  Teaching will include practical demonstrations, one to one tuition, group discussions and critiques.

For work required to be undertaken after the class hours are complete, the course tutor will set students a ‘directed study plan’ which can be undertaken without the need for specialist workshops or access to models.

Directed study will include research into a range of suggested artists and their associated movements to engender a contextual awareness. Students are expected to demonstrate how their research has informed their work through annotated sketchbooks, a visual digital journal and practical outcomes. 

The Directed Study Plan will include preparing evidence of research and practical work to form an appropriate presentation for assessment.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Create a sketchbook/visual journal which demonstrates a range of working practices, building a body of research that’s contextually aware for the creative potential of ideas to be explored through tapestry.

• Demonstrate a practical knowledge to produce a range of experimental weavings that show a confident and enquiring use of materials and techniques. 

• Demonstrate an appropriate judgment to document, select, edit and present a coherent a range of samples and finished works which demonstrate a creative an informed use of tapestry techniques.

Sources

Core Readings

Recommended:

• SOROKA, J. 2011. Tapestry Weaving. Ramsbury: Crowood.

• BEUTLICH, T. 1976. The Technique Of Woven Tapestry. London: Batsford.

• WILCOX, T., Fiona M. and Caron, P. 2011. Tapestry. London: Black Dog.

• 1976. Victorian Tapestry Workshop. South Melbourne, Victoria, Australia: Workshop, Print.

• Rossbach, Ed et al. Ed Rossbach. Asheville, N.C.: Lark Books, 1990.

• Constantine, M. and Jack L. L. 1986. Beyond Craft. Tokyo: Kodansha International.

• Telos. Textiles of the world. (set of contemporary textile art book)

Journal and periodicals:

• Selvage

• Crafts Magazine

• The Journal of WSD

• Embroidery

Web Sources

www.weaversbazaar.com

Weavers Bazaar                                               

www.handweavers.co.uk

The Handweavers Studio and Gallery  

www.thebritishtapestrygroup.co.uk

The British Tapestry Group                    

www.tapestry.dk

European Tapestry Forum                     

www.americantapestryalliance.org

American Tapestry Alliance                     

www.dovecotstudios.com

Dovecot Studios, Edinburgh                      

www.victapestry.com.au/news_index.aspx

Australian Tapestry                                     

Assessment

Details of the Art and Design assessment requirements can be found on the short course website. Please click on the following link for more information: Submission and Assessment Information

Studying for Credit

If you choose to study for credit you will need to allocate significant time outwith classes for coursework and assessment preparation. Credit points gained from this course can count towards the Certificate of Higher Education.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.