Talking Threads

Hidden Tales of Scotland’s Fashion & Music

Initially curated by SR:D as part of the Year of Stories 2022, the Talking Threads exhibition looked for hidden stories and musical connections behind textile working practices, in a sector which has always mainly featured women workers. We connected threads between women working to produce Scotland’s historic fashions and textiles, through the soundtrack of the pre-industrial era, and the post-1960s to 90s, up to current playlists for Scotland’s contemporary design studios.

Scotland has an incredibly rich textile and fashion history, recognised and celebrated the world over by designers, customers and creators, especially from those choosing to live and work in Scotland.

In a big shift from the exodus of the 90s and 2000s to London and beyond, the industry is now attracting people in and is worth over £2.8billion a year to the Scottish economy. It features an array of talent ranging from designers and manufacturers to international models, make-up artists, producers, museums, shops and photographers.

SRD’s exhibition showcased initial research that discovered key stories from across these three major musical eras of Scottish traditional craft textiles and fashion practices for new audiences. Weaving these story threads together to produce a rich tapestry demonstrating what people's lives were really like, the music they listened to, the work they did and how each made an impact on society.

Stories from each era guide us through a historical journey with consideration of the tools that were used and the kinds of fashion and textiles that were produced. We also explored the people behind the fabrics, especially by hearing stories from those involved in production and learning who they were making the clothing for.

What we found in our research for this project is that almost anyone you ask can cite a link to the Scottish textile industry at least once across the three eras we have identified. We are really keen to continue this project, so please do get in touch if you have a story you would like to share. This initial exhibition was just the start of something. Stay tuned to see where the thread weaves next.

This event has been supported by the Year of Stories 2022 Community Stories Fund. This fund is being delivered in partnership between VisitScotland and Museums Galleries Scotland, with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.

Did you, or someone you know, work in a Scottish Mill or Factory? We would love to hear from you and to build on our picture of the industrY.

Please contact us now with your tales and recollections, photos or videos about your experiences from Timex to crafts, shops, factories and studios.