Brief History of the Incorporation
of Weavers of Glasgow
of Weavers of Glasgow
The Weavers of Glasgow date back to the middle-ages when members of the craft were those entitled to make and sell woven clothes within the ancient burgh. The craft became incorporated by a charter from the famous Archbishop Gavin Dunbar as feudal lord of Glasgow in 1528, but is known to have been in existence at least as far back as 1514. Even in those days, when their main function was to control standards in the weaving trade, the Weavers also had a charitable role "to help and comfort of their decayit brethereine... and other godlie shows". This work has continued right up to the present day.
To maintain its links with the modern textile industry, the Incorporation takes a keen interest in the support of promising young people likely to make a contribution to this, vital Scottish industry. To this end it funds a number of grants, scholarships and prizes for textile students at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow School of Art and Langside and Cardonald Colleges, Glasgow, and hs in the past sponsored a weaver at the Weaver's Cottage, Kilbarchan, run by the National Trust for Scotland.
The Craft also runs annual Industry Awards for 4 categories in the Weaving Trade :
1. Lifelong Contribution to the Textile Industry : Awarded to an individual who has given long service to a company, educational institution or textile business, promoting good practice in the production, design or marketing of textile and fabrics. Nominations will always be treated with utmost confidence and the submission for an individual nominated should be accompanied by a full curriculum vitae.
2. Best new woven Fabric or Textile : Applications are invited from Weavers who can exhibit top class design, technical ability and understanding of colour to deliver an exquisite piece of weaving. The weave can be worked on a large hand loom, small hand loom or can be machine woven. A sample weave must be provided and will be exhibited along with “hi res”imagery.
3. Most Innovative Fabric or Textile : Here we’re looking for weavers who are working at the “cutting edge” of fabric manufacturing. They must exhibit a quality textile which can be used for innovative purposes, perhaps in the fields of medicine or science, perhaps fabric that has a greater durability, perhaps fabric made of a substance usually considered unrelated to the textile industry. Anything goes, but again a sample and “hi res” imagery must be submitted.
4. Totally Tartan : This newly introduced award category is to support our National fabric. Entrants will be asked to submit items made from or with tartan as an integral or essential component. These item will be judged on quality, originality and good design. Examples might be upholstery, garments, ornamentation etc.
It is also funded (in the years 2002-2005) part of the cost of weaving tapestries for Stirling Castle. Every year the Craft also makes substantial grants and donations to charities as well as maintaining its pensioners. Apart its educational and charitable works, the Craft maintains a long term fellowship of members (male and female) by participation in a number of social and sporting functions and sends four representatives yearly to sit in the Trades House.
Membership
For details of membership, please contact the Clerk of the Weavers [email protected]
To maintain its links with the modern textile industry, the Incorporation takes a keen interest in the support of promising young people likely to make a contribution to this, vital Scottish industry. To this end it funds a number of grants, scholarships and prizes for textile students at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow School of Art and Langside and Cardonald Colleges, Glasgow, and hs in the past sponsored a weaver at the Weaver's Cottage, Kilbarchan, run by the National Trust for Scotland.
The Craft also runs annual Industry Awards for 4 categories in the Weaving Trade :
1. Lifelong Contribution to the Textile Industry : Awarded to an individual who has given long service to a company, educational institution or textile business, promoting good practice in the production, design or marketing of textile and fabrics. Nominations will always be treated with utmost confidence and the submission for an individual nominated should be accompanied by a full curriculum vitae.
2. Best new woven Fabric or Textile : Applications are invited from Weavers who can exhibit top class design, technical ability and understanding of colour to deliver an exquisite piece of weaving. The weave can be worked on a large hand loom, small hand loom or can be machine woven. A sample weave must be provided and will be exhibited along with “hi res”imagery.
3. Most Innovative Fabric or Textile : Here we’re looking for weavers who are working at the “cutting edge” of fabric manufacturing. They must exhibit a quality textile which can be used for innovative purposes, perhaps in the fields of medicine or science, perhaps fabric that has a greater durability, perhaps fabric made of a substance usually considered unrelated to the textile industry. Anything goes, but again a sample and “hi res” imagery must be submitted.
4. Totally Tartan : This newly introduced award category is to support our National fabric. Entrants will be asked to submit items made from or with tartan as an integral or essential component. These item will be judged on quality, originality and good design. Examples might be upholstery, garments, ornamentation etc.
It is also funded (in the years 2002-2005) part of the cost of weaving tapestries for Stirling Castle. Every year the Craft also makes substantial grants and donations to charities as well as maintaining its pensioners. Apart its educational and charitable works, the Craft maintains a long term fellowship of members (male and female) by participation in a number of social and sporting functions and sends four representatives yearly to sit in the Trades House.
Membership
For details of membership, please contact the Clerk of the Weavers [email protected]