Loops of History: Rose tinted Castles

This project gives insight to the life of Mary Queen of Scots following the castles which she resided in, exploring the theme of romance, conflict, and confinement. Scottish
Baronial Architectural style is the main source of inspiration. Growing up in the protectorate of Stirling Castle just like Mary herself, I know the castle and its history well. 

Visual inspiration of this project will include Stirling Castle, Edinburgh Castle, Loch Leven Castle, and roses. Castles are of extreme importance in Scottish history as whomever holds the castle holds power. Roses have been brought in because for as long as I can remember in Stirling Castle’s Queen Ann Garden there have been rows of rose bushes framing the garden. They are also a symbol for nobility however, they also represent conflict for Scotland as the rose is the national flower of England.

I aim to shed light on parts of Scottish history which has never been told through textiles before. Through use of narrative in my design development, exploration of pictorial jacquards, and translation of medieval motifs. For years stories have been told in a pictorial style through weave and print in a but never truly in knit. Tapestries have been around for hundreds of years telling stories of hunting, royalty, and history in general so why not knit loops of history.