Prestonpans Tapestry Exhibition visits Blair Castle

Blair Castle is delighted to announce it will become the temporary home of the Prestonpans Tapestry this Summer.

The Prestonpans tapestry is a major public art project touring Scotland this summer. Designed by artist Andrew Crummy, the 103 metre long tapestry depicts Bonnie Prince Charlie’s journey from France to victory at Prestonpans. Blair Castle is delighted to be on the Scottish itinerary and will be displaying the impressive tapestry in the ballroom from Tuesday 31 August until Friday 3 September. A team of volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and explain the fascinating history behind this amazing artwork.

Volunteers from across France, Scotland, Australia and the United States are currently preparing the 103 embroidered panels which will then be assembled together to create the finished tapestry. Sylvia Robertson, Assistant to the Archivist at Blair Castle, is responsible for coordinating the team of volunteers from the Rannoch and Highland branch of Clan Donnachaidh who are preparing the Blair Castle panel. The crewel work panel on linen depicts Bonnie Prince Charlie’s visit to Blair Castle in 1745 and shows Duke William and Lady Lude introducing the prince to the game of bowls.

The Prestonpans Tapestry has been advised for historical authenticity by distinguished scholars Martin Margulies and Arran Johnston, with each panel 'signed off' and frequently embroidered in the communities depicted. The Tapestry will be completed by the end June 2010. It will then be paraded across Scotland on the precise dates that the Prince visited each location in 1745. The tapestry is likely to appeal to a broad audience of history buffs, needlework enthusiasts and school children studying this historical period as part of the National Curriculum.

The opportunity to view the Prestonpans tapestry at Blair Castle is free as part of standard Castle admission. A guide book about the tapestry will be on sale and the charitable organisation behind the Prestonpans tapestry will be collecting donations. For further information about Blair Castle opening times and admission prices, please visit www.blair-castle.co.uk. For further information about the Prestonpans tapestry please visit www.prestonpanstapestry.org

See video of the tapestry by clicking here.

LOCAL RESIDENTS SPECIAL OFFER

Exhibition entry £2.50 per person on presentation of the August issue of Breadalbane Quair or Newsround North.