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Gifted: Created in Scotland by Hand
Gifted – Created in Scotland by Hand returns to the National Museum of Scotland for a second year, with a wide range of crafts to suit all tastes.
More than 40 Scottish designers have contributed a range of items ranging from silver necklaces and acrylic bracelets to handmade books and silk scarves.
Exhibitions officer Esther Lynn said: “We have a completely new range of designers this year and an even wider choice of crafts for sale.
“We think that people will be impressed by the variety, imagination and quality of the crafts on offer.”
A variety of textiles are on show, including the work of Catherine Aitken, who uses reconditioned antique kilts, traditional tweeds and soft mohairs to make a range of bags and washbags which reflect a romantic vision of Scottish country life.
Rachel Skene’s scarves, bags and purses are made using traditional weaving to create a contemporary look, and Susan Shearer makes knitted accessories from Shetland wool.
Jewellery is equally strong, with crisp sterling silver married with vivid coloured elastic to create contemporary jewellery by Gilly Langton, and quirky brooches by Ruth Gordon.
Marianne Anderson works with pierced silhouettes of oxidised silver, merging them with gemstones, pearls and 18ct gold to make contemporary pieces of jewellery.
For a truly unusual gift, there is the work of artist Jim Whitson, who worked as a blacksmith for eight years and now creates a range of garden sculptures made from lead. Glasstorm, a contemporary glass studio set up by Brodie Nairn and Nichola Burns, offers a range of glass bowls, vases and decorations designed especially for the exhibition.
The event will continue until Sunday 21 January 2007 at Crafts Gallery, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh.