Robert Stewart - An Argyll Artist

Described as 'one of the foremost British designers of the second half of the 20th century', Robert (Bob) Stewart was a prolific and immensely productive Argyll artist and designer, as well as Head of Textiles and Design at Glasgow School of Art. His work spans textiles, ceramics, graphics, fine art, murals, mosaics and tapestries - his output was extraordinary. 

Stunning 'Raimoult' fabric hanging in the Burgh Hall

A fraction of his extraordinarily diverse and beautiful output can be seen at a small but extensive exhibition at the Burgh Hall, Dunoon. Thanks to the hard work of curator Anne E. Ferguson,herself an artist and ex-student of Bob, this visually stunning exhibition has 'come home' to Cowal.  

Cushions made with Ardentinny (left) and Macrahanish (right) Linen Union fabrics

 The show is a treat for the eyes, with many references to Bob's love of his home environment in Cowal and Argyll, especially his striking textiles named after local places such as Kilmun or Glendaruel.

Anne E. Ferguson introduces Jimmy Cosgrove, a colleague and contemporary of
Robert Stewart who opened the exhibition

Small selection of Robert Stewart's ceramics

Running until 30th September you won't be disappointed if you pop in to have a look at one of Argyll's finest artists.

Detail from ceramic mural (1967), once displayed at the Douglas Academy
now needing a home!

More fabrics! (Top & left), Kilmun Linen Union, small 'Sun Man' cushion (right) &
'Striven' (front)

Hmmm? A new idea, maybe?

How about this for a sweet alternative to run of the mill party or wedding favours - Cotton (and re-useable!) party bags with an 'Alice in Wonderland' theme - upcycled glass jar decorated with vintage fabric and cotton bakers twine and filled with hand-made chocolates, and the simple, hand stamped instruction 'Eat Me'! But don't worry you won't shrink!! Plus a bottle of fizz - what a treat!

I'm thinking about this as a potential sideline - jars could be filled with traditional sweeties/chocs/home-made jam or marmalade/mini soaps, but all trimmed in the prettiest of vintage fabrics and hand-stamped individual vintage style lables.

A green alternative, perhaps (re- and upcycling, reusable bags, organic treats!). And you could theme them as well - Alice works really well!) Comments gratefully received!!

Applique Crazy!

Decided that my sewing skills could do with a kick up the backside, so I've been experimenting with some shapes and styles. These are the latest ones - and I'm ridiculously pleased with them!

I am especially fond of the tartan Skull 'n ' Crossbones (see below) and can see myself doing a lot more of these! Am currently working on a S 'n' C in vintage floral fabric that I think looks kinda cool - girly, with a twist, if you know what I mean.

Anyway will be sewing my wee fingers off to get ready for the Creggans Xmas Cracker - see last post!

Nice One!

Thanks to Lynne from Autonomous Artisans for the lovely piece about my up-cycled hotties made from vintage blankets and fabric. There are lots of lovely things on their blog to-day and the common thread is the Autonomous Artisans Flickr Pool-go and have a look-choc full of marvellous, handcrafted treasures!

The Great Blanket Project Begins.....

After a lot of thought and contemplation over many cups of tea, I finally started to make in-roads into my stock of vintage woollen blankets. To my delight and surprise they have been easier to work with than I had envisaged and the finished product looks great!
A you can see from above, I've started on Hot Water Bottle covers, each one decorated with a cute vintage fabric pocket on the front into which one slips a matching Lavender Bag-mmmm, warm and soothing, always a good combination, especially in light of the rubbish summers we're having!
I kept the original label (see top of post!) and took some photos which I'll use for labeling them up-hopefully nice it a nice, interesting retro feel. Next on the agenda, baby sized, fabric trimmed blankets, totes and cushions!