Doors Open Day 2024 at Dovecot Studios

Dovecot is a world-renowned tapestry studio in the heart of Edinburgh and a landmark centre for contemporary art, craft and design. Established in 1912, Dovecot continues a century-long heritage of collaboration with international artists to make exceptional handwoven tapestries and gun-tufted rugs.

Alongside the tapestry studio, Dovecot run an exciting programme of exhibitions and events to further explore contemporary art, craft and design. On Doors Open Day, we will have three exhibitions open: Chris Ofili's The Caged Bird's Song, Tania Kovats' SEAMARKS, and Tapestry 5's Time & Place. 

Activities

• Free drop-in tapestry weaving on the Tapestry Studio Viewing Balcony
• Brief building tours on the Tapestry Studio Viewing Balcony throughout the day.
   

2024 Doors Open Day Theme - Heritage of Routes, Networks and Connections

Tapestry weaving is a skill that has been passed down from master to apprentice weaver at Dovecot since 1912. Following in the tradition of the first weavers, Dovecot continues a century-long heritage of collaboration with international artists to make exceptional handwoven tapestries and gun-tufted rugs. Often the artists that Dovecot works with have no previous experience of their work being translated into tapestry. Successful projects require artists to put trust in the creative process, and in the ability of the weavers to capture the spirit and intention of their work.

Dovecot is now housed in the former Infirmary Street Baths, the first public baths in Edinburgh, built in 1885 to provide accessible washing facilities to improve public health.