The Art of Being an Apprentice

The Art of Being an Apprentice is an online exhibition at Dovecot Studios that showcases the work of Elaine Wilson who has just completed her three-year QEST Benefact Trust Apprenticeship at the Studios. Comprising of tapestries and technical studies, the exhibition highlights Elaine’s progression over the last three years. From translating her own paintings to weaving works inspired by Romantic painter JMW Turner and contemporary artist Jenny Saville, the display on Dovecot demonstrates the skill and artistry of an early-career weaver. Having completed her apprenticeship, Elaine is now starting a new career at Dovecot as a Junior Weaver.

As one of the only organisations to offer formal training in the art of tapestry weaving, Dovecot is delighted to highlight their apprenticeship programme, which is vital to training and inspiring a new generation of weavers. Since 1912, the skills of tapestry weaving have been passed down from Dovecot Master Weaver to Apprentice and in 2011 the Apprenticeship Programme was relaunched with the support of the Dovecot Foundation. 

Since starting her apprenticeship, Edinburgh-based painter Elaine Wilson has acquired skills including warping the loom, creating and inking on a tapestry cartoon and producing work that explores line, shape, texture and colour. Working in the context of a Studio, Elaine has worked directly alongside experienced weavers on full-scale tapestry projects as well as creating her own designs for tapestry. 

“As a painter and textile designer, I was drawn to tapestry weaving as it is an artistic pursuit that combines my interest in the tactile and the process of making,” comments Elaine. “During my apprenticeship at Dovecot I have enjoyed learning more about the art of tapestry from the Studio team, and I am excited to move forward as a junior weaver.”

Alongside learning the technical and practical skills of weaving, apprentices at Dovecot undertake their own study into the processes, stories and history of tapestry. For Elaine this involved looking into archives, as well studying contemporary weaving, and considering how her own paintings might evolve through translation into tapestry. 

“The Dovecot Tapestry Apprenticeship is a highly competitive and prestigious opportunity to learn from a world class tapestry studio,” says Master Weaver and Dovecot Studio Manager Naomi Robertson. “When Dovecot last advertised the position it attracted over 100 applications from the UK and overseas. Elaine has proven herself to be an outstanding student and a dedicated learner. She has consistently explored and experimented with different textures and techniques. Her painterly eye has enabled her to interpret a JMW Turner watercolour with sensitivity and self-expression. I believe her work is a testament to Dovecot’s commitment to sustaining Scottish tapestry by training the next generation of 21st century weavers.”

Learn more about Elaine’s work and see the exhibition here.