Description

Our first ever online conference took place in May 2021 in the Home of Harris Tweed®. Three live sessions over the course of two days covered: the role of the Harris Tweed Authority; stories of Outer Hebridean weaving culture; and a live weaver demonstration. Each talk was followed by responses from the speaker to questions raised by our conference attendees.

Session 1: The Home of Harris Tweed®

Lorna Macaulay, Harris Tweed Authority CEO

In this introductory session, Lorna gives an overview of the Harris Tweed® story, sharing details of our provenance and history. She discusses the structure of the industry and the vital, reciprocal relationship between the Authority, the Harris Tweed® mills and the weavers. She explains how the Authority protects and promotes the Orb and the Harris Tweed® brand around the world.
 As a bonus, this session made time for questions from the conference attendees. These delve into the history of the Paisley sisters and the Orb; the future of the industry and even the cost of a loom today. This session is especially appropriate for everyone who works with Harris Tweed® fabric, in a professional or personal capacity.

Session 2: Tales from the Loomshed

Iain Martin, Seaforth Harris Tweed

Iain Martin, Harris Tweed® weaver from the village of Arivruaich in the Isle of Lewis, is descended from generations of weavers and crofters. Over the years, his family home has become a treasure trove of objects relating to the Harris Tweed® story – many of which he has loving restored himself. Iain has handpicked a precious selection to share with us. Discover the story behind each item as it opens a window into the experience of Outer Hebrides islanders in days gone by. The session is followed by Iain taking questions from the conference attendees.

Session 3: The Weaver at Work

Rebecca Hutton, Taobh Tuath Tweeds

Join us on a virtual journey towards the Atlantic coast of the Isle of Harris, where sits the loom shed of Taobh Tuath Tweeds, owned by Rebecca Hutton – a Harris born Gaelic speaker, crofter and Harris Tweed® weaver. Hear how she manages the whole process of weaving by herself: from designing her own patterns, to completing her very own Harris Tweed® cloth. The session includes a weaving demonstration on Rebecca’s traditional Hattersley single-width loom. “I can remember the very first piece of tweed I sold. It’s an incredible feeling, someone wanting a piece your cloth and, for me, there’s a great sense of pride around it.” Throughout the session, Rebecca answers questions from the conference attendees.

All proceeds go to the Harris Tweed Authority Educational Trust.
Registered Company Number: SC173554 (Scotland)
Registered Charity Number: SC026202