Join our visual arts curators with weavers Monica Haddock and Leigh Eisler for an afternoon studio cèilidh at Monica's studio in Ardtun.
Our studio cèilidhs take inspiration from the traditional house cèilidhs; informal gatherings combining culture, craft and conversation, particularly through the long, dark winter nights.
Monica Haddock is a handweaver and natural dyer who works from her studio on a two-acre smallholding with views of Burg, Ben More and Loch Scridain. Her studio is in a restored stone outbuilding which houses her large collection of looms and equipment for creating her work. Over the years Monica had been developing her dye garden with great success producing woad and other wildflowers as well as collecting crottal for use in her dyebaths.
Originally from Aotearoa-New Zealand, Monica moved to Mull in 2016 where she divides her time between her day job as Head Weaver at Ardalanish Isle of Mull Weavers and her own studio practice. She is interested in the indigenous cultures and languages of both her home countries, and in cultivating local connections with artists and communities in Mull.
Leigh Eisler is new to the world of tapestry weaving. She began weaving as a creative outlet that was slow and methodical. Growing up on the West Coast of Scotland, and now living on the Ross of Mull, she is perpetually inspired by the landscapes and the ever-changing weather.
“One of the best things about our job is getting to visit artists and makers in their studios, see their work and hear directly from them about their practice and processes. ‘Cèilidh’ means ‘visit’ in Gaelic, and traditionally a cèilidh would be a small gathering in people’s homes which combined culture, work and conversation, particularly through the long, dark winter nights.
This year over the winter months we'll be continuing these Studio cèilidhs by co-hosting a series of informal gatherings with artists and makers in their spaces. Please join us for the first Studio Cèilidhs in 2023 – a chance to come together to see a selection of work by local artists, converse about their work and the wider cultural scene on Mull & Iona.” Rhona Dougall & Nina Pope, Visual Arts Curators.
Maximum audience number 12.
Location & Directions
Harbour Textile Studio, Ardtun, Isle of Mull, PA67 6DH
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Harbour Studio is accessed from the A849 (Craignure to Fionnphort road) signed Ardtun. This road forms a loop and can be accessed from both the East and West of the island. From the East, turn onto the Ardtun road, drive for 1.3 miles then turn right at the organic veg box onto an unsigned road. From the West, turn onto the Ardtun road, drive for 0.8 miles then turn left at the organic veg box onto an unsigned road. Then drive 0.3 miles until you see a number of postboxes by a gate on your right. Go through this gate and drive another 250m along this track. Monica’s is the first house. Harbour Studio is located behind the house along the shoreline.
Parking
Parking is available on-site for a maximum of three cars on the driveway of the house. There is additional parking further up the road in a grassy field but only in dry weather. Due to this limited parking, please car share where possible. If you would be willing to car share, either as a driver or passenger, please email Nina (nina@antobarandmulltheatre.co.uk) or Rhona (rhona@antobarandmulltheatre.co.uk).
Access and Safety
The track to the Studio has several potholes and a central raised strip. It may not be suitable for vehicles with low ground clearance so please drive with caution.
The route to the Studio is across a gently sloping grassy area, leading to a flagged path that runs the studio's full length. It is unfortunately not accessible for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users. The grassy area can be muddy in wet weather so please wear appropriate footwear.
Though there is a wood burner, the Studio can be cold in the winter; please dress appropriately. Please note that guests will have to stand for a period of time.