MARCHMONT House is bringing together international speakers for a special event exploring the past, present and future of arts & crafts textiles.

And the Cape of Clouds – covered with embroidered messages from women around the world – will be at the heart of the special event.

The celebration, which features many experts in their field, takes place on Saturday, February 1.

It brings together a remarkable mix of speakers from art experts and curators to contemporary artists and makers - alongside a social enterprise founder who trains women in textile use and design.

The accompanying display of work will feature not only Louise Gardiner’s cape but an arts & crafts kimono, mixing modern and upcycled 19th-century material, created by Dumfries and Galloway textile designer Morag McPherson.

There will be two contemporary quilts by the internationally renowned designer and maker Pauline Burbidge whose work is in major museum and gallery collections worldwide.

The display also includes pieces by Naomi Robertson, master weaver at Dovecot in Edinburgh and antique textiles by Ernest Gimson and now belonging to Barley Roscoe.

Marchmont House director Hugo Burge’s drive to help nurture a new arts & crafts movement, promoting hand-crafted work, a sense of community and an appreciation of nature.

He said: “The original arts & crafts movement embodied a purpose that could not be more important for today - celebrating nature, craftsmanship, community and a sense of purpose.

"Arts & crafts textiles are at the centre of this crucible of interests, replete with hidden stories, inspiration and raw beauty.

"It couldn’t be more timely to dive into this field, seeking a new sense of purpose in craftsmanship.”

These ideas are deeply embedded in the work of speakers such as the contemporary embroiderer Louise Gardiner, from Bristol, whose Cape of Clouds will be displayed in public for the first time.

Louise invited women from around the world to stitch “story clouds” reflecting their hopes and dreams for a peaceful world of equality and love.

Contributions have come in from as far away as Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Hong Kong.

She said: “I was overwhelmed by the response, with clouds arriving by post from places far afield and often accompanied by poems, moving letters and photographs.

“The project resonated with so many women and became a collective voice from an international community of women exploring a traditional craft and connecting with each other with hopes for peace and equality. Even if you can’t see your fellow stitchers, you’re connected by an invisible thread.”

Another speaker, Hazel Smith (2019 Social Entrepreneur of the Year), hopes to include the cape in a graduation ceremony for women who have attended textiles courses run by her organisation ReTweed.

The organisation trains women facing barriers in their lives and careers, teaching them new skills they can use to find jobs, set up their own businesses or enjoy as a hobby.

She told us: “Re-Tweed is founded on a philosophy very much aligned to the arts & crafts movement. It brings people together into a community of makers, through an arts and crafts industry, giving them a sense of self-esteem and achievement and creating new opportunities for them."

It has been the catalyst for 11 women setting up their own businesses and has helped 33 to secure jobs – contributing to efforts to revive the great tradition of fashion and textiles in the Borders.

Re-Tweed members are also contributed to the Great Tapestry of Scotland whose designer, Paul Crummy, is also delivering a talk at the event.

The event is sponsored by Edinburgh fine art auctioneers Lyon & Turnbull.

Tickets are available from Eventbrite.