The Great Tapestry of Scotland

We travelled to Edinburgh today to see the Man Ray Portrait Exhibition at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, but first we went to the Parliament Building to see the Great Tapestry of Scotland. I didn't take a camera with me as I wasn't sure photography would be allowed, so this has been taken with my phone.

Like the Bayeux Tapestry it is misnamed as it is an embroidery, but there the similarity ends. If you have seen the Bayeux Tapestry and marvelled at the skill of the embroiderers and the wealth of detail displayed I can assure you it is eclipsed by this one.

165 panels each one metre square have been worked by volunteers from all over Scotland. The panels depict Scotland's history from its geological foundations to modern times. There are examples of wars, of royalty, of politics, of inventions and discovery, of growth and expansion, culture and much more.

The panel I have chosen to blip, the publication of the King James Bible, is not necessarily the most interesting historically, or colourful throughout, but I chose this one because of the workmanship in the king's clothing. The embroiderers have used their skills to show texture and richness in the fabrics.

If you have the opportunity go to see it.