Suffrage anniversary banner made by north coast women to be exhibited
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A TEXTILE art banner made by women on the north coast is to go on display next week at Strathpeffer Pavilion.
The banner is one of three to be made in the Highlands, all of which will be exhibited from Wednesday to Friday, 22-24 September.
They were created as part of a mass participatory artwork organised in 2018 by leading public art events organiser the Artichoke Trust in celebration of the 100th anniversary of votes for women.
Artichoke commissioned 100 female artists around the UK to create banners, helped by other women.
Processions to display the banners were held that year in all four UK capitals.
This year all 100 banners were exhibited in London and were scheduled to go on tour afterwards. However, the tour was called off because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The artists behind the three Highland banners then decided to hold a mini exhibition event on Strathpeffer Pavilion’s verandah.
Women from communities across the north coast contributed to the banner.
Alex Patience, Portskerra, who was instrumental in creating the North Coast banner said: “Each group was given scarves of white, green or purple to commemorate the suffragette colours and to create a visual of women joining together to make something beyond themselves.
"Many art and craft techniques were combined to create the banners along with lots of fabulous materials, creativity and imagination. They are a unique celebration.”
She added: “The procession (in 2028) was a marvellous event to attend and a fabulous bunch of women gathered to both create the banners and attend the event.”
They can be viewed from outside and the doors will also be open each day from 12 noon till 4pm for a closer look. There will also be the opportunity to meet the artists who will be in attendance at the exhibition.
