In this workshop, you will get to grips with the basics of gun tufting and make your own rug. Aimed at beginners, this intimate workshop is an introduction to the art of electric gun tufting. Learning the basic tufting techniques, this is a chance to experiment with a tufting gun and create your own contemporary rug sample. This workshop will be hosted by Edinburgh based Artist and Tutor Molly Kent, a textile artist concerned with representing mental and physical health notions through mediums such as rug tufting and weaving.

Want to learn to weave in one of the world’s leading tapestry studios? This tapestry weaving experience day at Dovecot Studios is a rare chance to learn the art of tapestry weaving at the UK’s longest running tapestry studio. Aimed at absolute beginners, the workshop will introduce traditional materials of a cotton warp and wool weft, as well as the basic skills involved in creating a woven tapestry. Experimenting with a range of techniques, you will receive expert tuition from professional weaver Fiona Hutchison, and at the end of the day you are invited to sit back and admire your tapestry with a glass of fizz. The price includes tapestry yarn and use of equipment during the workshop. If participants would like to practice and develop their new weaving skills at home, tapestry frames, yarns, and bobbins are available at Dovecot Shop where attendees will receive a 10% discount on the day of their workshop.

Emilee Lord and Karen Cecilia / Rhymes with Purple A performance duet of sonic verse, dance, and audience experience that challenges the expectations imposed upon us in society. Using co-authored text, musician and playwright Karen Cecilia, and dance and visual artist Emilee Lord, break down and name the expectations they have each combatted and assert what they chose instead. While each performer’s story differs in detail and expression, a common thread between them will ring true with others who have carved their own paths in life. The audience will be asked to consider their own ideas of “shoulds” and invited to contribute to the show’s performance that day. Audience participation, More information There may be some strong language Age category: 12+

This May, Doug Cocker, one of Scotland’s leading sculptors, unveils a dynamic new body of work at Dovecot Studios in collaboration with The Scottish Gallery. Renowned for his masterful use of wood, Cocker draws inspiration from the landscape and natural environment surrounding his converted mill studio in the heart of the Angus countryside. Marking his 80th year, the exhibition offers a rare and insightful exploration of the threads, themes and influences that have shaped his distinguished career. Known for his ability to harness the natural qualities of wood into compelling sculptural forms, Cocker’s work is testament to the power of shape, movement, and colour, often echoing music and the rhythms of the natural world in unexpected and thought-provoking ways. The installation exhibition, which is his most ambitious to date, is a celebration of a lifetime dedicated to sculptural practice.

Dr Jones: The Extinction Tour After 3.5 billion years, Dr David Jones has evolved –– research biologist by day, stand-up comedian by night. He’s set himself the gargantuan challenge of telling the complete story of life on Earth. In one hour. Can he squeeze the origins of life, the evolution of millions of species, the extinction of millions more, and Homo sapiens’ rise to dominance, into a 60-minute show? Probably not. But it’s still very funny. Warning: Contains scenes of death, genetic drift and existential dread. Audience participation, More information Contains gratuitous scenes of species extinction. Age category: 14+

Trophy Wife / Rhymes with Purple Ivy and Jones, two deadbeat, dead-end 20-somethings are looking for a way out. Ivy knows that suicide is the answer but doesn’t want to die alone. Jones is cool with being dead, but doesn’t want to die a virgin. Four going on five tries in and they're still breathing; I guess sometimes the universe has other plans for you. As Ivy’s frustration mounts and their tenuous relationship degrades, a violent solution finally materialises. What follows is a pitch-black comedy about escaping your ugly, rotten, nasty, little life by finding a gun and finally pulling the trigger. Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Scenes of violence, Strong language/swearing, More information Scenes of vomiting. Age category: 16+

Ikea Museum's Magical Patterns exhibition comes to Edinburgh, celebrating 60 years of innovative textile design. Magical Patterns explores six decades of groundbreaking textile design by Ikea. The exhibition features 180 iconic fabrics that showcase the rich history of the Swedish furniture retailer's commitment to innovation, collaboration, and experimental design. From the early days of bold patterns introduced by textile artists Bitten Højmark and Inger Nilsson, to the revolutionary works of the Swedish design collective 10-gruppen, Magical Patterns highlights how Ikea has supported the creative visions of some of the most influential textile designers, including Zandra Rhodes, Marimekko, and many others. The exhibition provides a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process that has defined the iconic patterns of Ikea. Visitors will have the opportunity to discover the playful and vibrant designs that have shaped Swedish design, from the famous stripy RANDIG BANAN to the bold, colourful ANNIKEN broccoli motif. Featuring both vintage and contemporary fabrics, Magical Patterns offers a unique opportunity to experience how design trends and cultural movements have influenced the textile collection from Ikea. Join us on an exploration of winding patterns, explosive colours and bold combinations. You can weave your way through some familiar friends, and quite literally get a feel for the fabric of history. Play around and create your own pattern combinations in all kinds of colours in our pop-up design studio. With every ticket you purchase, you are playing a vital role in supporting the work of Dovecot Studios and helping the preservation of the art of tapestry in Scotland. Exhibition in collaboration with the Ikea Museum.

Join the Dovecot and IKEA Museum curators for an early morning talk and viewing of IKEA: Magical Patterns. Learn about the creative process behind these timeless designs, discover how the iconic Swedish store has supported experimental artists, and gain inspiration for your home. Be the first to get into “pattern mode” and explore the magic of textile design by IKEA.

Join Anna Sandberg Falk, Curator of the IKEA Museum, to discuss how IKEA has brought groundbreaking textile design into homes all over the world for the last six decades. She will touch upon how the textiles department has been a vital part of creating a strong IKEA identity, how textiles and patterns are an important part of interior design, and how the team at IKEA museum brought this exhibition together. (includes entry to IKEA: Magical Patterns)

Join Dovecot Director, Celia Joicey for a special opening weekend talk on IKEA: Magical Patterns. The exhibition highlights 180 iconic fabrics that reflect the role of IKEA in shaping Swedish design. From bold prints to playful patterns, learn how works by renowned designers like Zandra Rhodes, Marimekko, and the revolutionary Swedish collective 10-gruppen have brought exciting pattern design into homes around the world. Includes entry to IKEA: Magical Patterns.

Dazzle Exhibitions Dazzle at Dovecot Studios is a curated selling exhibition of 60 contemporary jewellery designers. Dazzle is the place to discover jewellery as you’ve never seen it before. From bold statement pieces to elegant classics, handmade in a range of unusual materials, gold to plastic, diamonds to paper. At Dazzle, you'll always find something new. Also on show are limited edition prints and handwoven textiles. This carefully curated exhibition has pieces to suit all budgets – visitors can treat themselves to a special piece, all while supporting the talented independent makers creating these unique and innovative designs. None

Finlay and Joe Finlay and Joe are fine. The future is bright, sketch comedy is more financially lucrative than ever, and you definitely cannot smell burning. Expect a brand-new hour of wildly imaginative comedy sketches from these two future national treasures who will not stop until they are knighted for services to live entertainment. Although not Finlay. He wouldn’t accept a knighthood. He’s afraid of swords. Maybe a Blue Peter badge? Leicester Square Sketch Off! Finalists 2024. ‘Cracking concept’ (Chortle.co.uk). ‘Infectious energy’ (ThreeWeeks). ‘Ow help us we’re on fire’ (Finlay and Joe). Audience participation Age category: 12+

In partnership with The Scottish Gallery, Shifting Surfaces marks a remarkable milestone in the career of one of Scotland's most distinguished contemporary artists. Immerse yourself in the inspirations and collaborations between Victoria Crowe and Dovecot Studios this summer. From Large Tree Group (2007) to the recent tufted rugs of the Orcadian Series (2023), journey through a rich relationship of texture and textiles while overlooking Dovecot’s world-renowned studio, where these textile masterpieces were created. Shifting Surfaces explores the connecting threads between her paintings and woven interpretations, highlighting her work with light, landscape, and memory.

Archie Brennan (1931-2019) is considered one of the world's most accomplished 20th century tapestry weavers. Known for creating over 500 innovative, skilled and Pop Art tapestries, Brennan began his 70-year weaving career as an apprentice and later Artistic Director of Dovecot Studios. Celebrated in a major exhibition at Dovecot in 2021, Tapestry Goes Pop, fresh research highlights how Brennan not only pushed the boundaries of tapestry but also his global influence through teaching and research. At this special event, Brenda Osborn will discuss Brennan's memoirs, his essays and articles, which she has compiled in an important new publication Archie Brennan Tapestry as Modern Art. This talk is perfect for everyone keen to learn more about how woven tapestry has survived for over 3,000 years and why Edinburgh has become an international centre of excellence for the medium.

Ragana Productions Set in the backdrop of early 90s Eastern Europe post the fall of the Soviet Union, Inertia unearths generational trauma, resilience and the silent forces of a Soviet Union hangover. Through brutalist realism and dreamlike sequences, it explores the fate of Frida, a woman bound by the weight of an abusive past, as she navigates the fractures of love, motherhood and survival. Inertia, inspired by the life fragments and memories of the playwright's Lithuanian grandmother, is an ode to peace and womanhood, surrounding the lives of women in quiet suffering and a gradually swelling rebellion. Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes Age category: 16+

AAP An emotionally charged stage play that invites the audience into the world of Jason, a young guy whose life takes a harrowing turn after he falls victim to a group of guys during his pursuit of higher education. This poignant and thought-provoking production explores the depths of human resilience and the enduring spirit of those who experience trauma. The play delves into Jason’s journey as he confronts a myriad of complex issues in the wake of the assault. His struggles with identity crisis, sexuality and the impact of this traumatic event on his approach to life forms the narrative. Audience participation, Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Nudity, Scenes of a sexual nature, Scenes of sexual violence, Scenes of violence, Strong language/swearing

Join Mil Stricevic, the creative mind behind Irregular Sleep Pattern, as he discusses the brand’s unique approach to sustainable fashion. Launched in 2020 with his wife Jolene, Irregular Sleep Pattern is an independent brand of bedding, sleepwear and associated products based in Glasgow. In this talk, Mil will share insights into how the brand’s design process challenges the fast-fashion industry, drawing inspiration from his admiration of Japanese craftsmanship and traditional workwear,. Emphasising quality, longevity, and the refusal to churn out new lines simply for the sake of it, Irregular Sleep Pattern stands firm in its commitment to sustainability. Mil will discuss how the brand’s philosophy of producing only when necessary allows for a more thoughtful approach to both design and environmental impact. Mil Stricevic played bass in bands for ten years before studying product design at Glasgow School of Art / the Royal College of Art in London. He has worked for corporate clients in the world of fashion, food & drink and retail as well as non-profit organisations, cultural institutions and government agencies. His work has been worn on the feet of Italian footballers, drunk in bars, featured as a question on BBC's University Challenge and spent time in prison... what ties them together is a common approach, which perhaps is best described as milish. Alongside his design practice, Mil holds a lecturing post in the department of Product Design at Glasgow School of Art Dovecot are pleased to stock a range from Irregular Sleep Pattern at our Shop. Ticket includes entry to IKEA: Magical Patterns exhibition

Kabuki: tradition and innovation Join Dr Helen Parker as she offers an illustrated introduction to kabuki, a form of traditional Japanese drama rooted in popular entertainment for newly wealthy townsfolk in the Edo period (1603-1867). Distinctive for its spectacular make-up, costumes and movement, kabuki is still regularly performed today. It is also well known in Japan and abroad for its consumer culture, from early actor prints to contemporary fashion. While the traditional element in kabuki is often emphasised, the dynamic character of its recent history and contemporary practice also deserves attention. The talk will reflect on how honouring inherited traditions, and innovating in response to domestic and international factors, both contribute to the appeal of kabuki. The evening will include an special performance with the sound of ko-tsuzumi (small hand drum) by hayashikata (kabuki musician) Tanaka Denjirō VII, who will perform highlights of classic kabuki compositions. This is a great opportunity to discover the fascinating world of kabuki music through an expert introduction and an engaging presentation of the instruments. About Dr Helen Parker: Dr Helen Parker, a specialist in traditional Japanese performing arts, studied Japanese at Oxford and researched dramatic arts at Waseda University in Tokyo. She lectures at Edinburgh on Japanese literature, performance, and translation. Her work focuses on kabuki’s cultural context, Noh in contemporary performance, gender in theatre, and Japanese-English translation. About Tanaka Denjirō VII: Tanaka Denjiro VII was born in 1977 into a family with strong musical traditions. His father, Kamei Tadao, a drummer of the Kazuno School of Noh Hayashi, has been designated a ‘Living National Treasure’, while his mother, Tanaka Sataro, is the ninth-generation head of the Tanaka School of Kabuki Hayashi. Tanaka Denjirō VII made his first appearance on stage at the age of three in a Noh play Tamura. Since assuming his name in 1994, Tanaka Denjirō VII has performed on a variety of prominent kabuki stages around Japan. In addition to performing, he creates music compositions for kabuki and kyōgen. Entry to IKEA: Magical Patterns exhibition before the talk is included as part of the ticket. The exhibition will be open from 17:00 and close at 17:45.

Bryce McKenzie is one of the most stylish design names on Edinburgh’s Circus Place. With an illustrious 30-year career as an interior design and textile specialist, he is known for creating sophisticated rooms with an innate sense of colour, pattern and scale. At this insightful talk, expect insights on Scotland’s latest bespoke interiors as well as the latest influences and inspirations informing the Bryce McKenzie team’s approach.

Embroider and frame your own decorative letter keepsake with textile artist Lucy Freeman. Learn how to use three simple stitches to embroider your letter, creating your own unique design from the wide variety of templates and colours. Lucy will also share her innovative framing method, where you cut around the embroidery to float within the frame. At the end of the workshop, you’ll each go home with your own miniature artwork, framed and ready to hang on the wall. Your ticket includes all the materials: frames, fabric, threads, templates, an embroidery hoop, needle and velvet ribbons for the frames.

Join Kate Colin for a paper crafting workshop inspired by the bold patterns and colour combinations of IKEA's fabrics. During the class, you will use paper as a base material and learn some basic paper crafting techniques such as folding, weaving and collage which you can use to explore and interpret the textile patterns as you wish. Suitable for all levels, we will focus on shape, colour, texture and 3D form and you will create several samples to take home. All tools and materials will be provided but feel free to bring along your own papers and sketchbooks