Please join us on Saturday 14th June, 3-5pm, to celebrate the achievement of this years Modern Makers. The exhibition will also be open again for visitors on Sunday 15th June from 12-5pm.

During the 2025 programme participants worked closely with skilled rug maker, Laura Derby, and artist and maker, Lucy Lee to design and make their own naturally dyed, rug tufted stool tops.

Kady McEwan, Georgia Collins, Alina Brust and Amy Sim took part in this year’s Modern Makers programme allowing a new generation to
learn traditional skills and apply them in a contemporary way. Visitors to the exhibition will also be able to see the plants used to dye the wool, smell and touch the dyestuffs and experience the resulting rich colours and see example dye pots with wool being dyed.

During the Modern Makers programme the group experienced the complete process of creating a rug tufted stool from conception to completion. This included design work, visiting wood worker Phil Crennell (who made the stools), considering provenance of the materials as well as hands-on experience in rug tufting and natural dyeing.

The programme also gave an introduction to the way that craftspeople and artists work and how they consider the environment in their practice.

With thanks to the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere for providing the Scottish Blackface wool.