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Saving Harris Tweed
Tuesday 17th of April 2007 11:30:03 PM
One of the most popular fabrics to come from the UK is Harris Tweed. It is produced on the island of Harris in Scotland and is in danger of becoming extinct because of the current laws governing who is able to learn to weave the fabric into bags and other items. Weaving, much like embroidery, is solitary work that requires great skill in the handling of the fabric. Currently, there are only thirty or so weavers, and many are nearing retirement age. Teaching the younger generation is an essential part of keeping the Harris Tweed tradition alive.“Harris Tweed is one of the biggest brands in Scotland, yet if you come to Harris you would find almost no tweed makers there. It is a dying industry and nobody has been paying any attention as to how to resolve it. Most people think Harris Tweed is made on Harris but this might soon cease to be true. The agencies who have a responsibility are not paying enough attention. The wider benefits, particularly from tourism are huge and the potential for tweed is enormous as it is a handmade product and represents everything that is good about Scotland,” said Robert Hannah, who is working with others to raise the money needed to train new weavers.
Over the years, many people left the island in search of jobs, education, and other opportunity. This left few people who wanted to learn how to weave. For many people, weaving, embroidery, and other textile skills are a hobby. But for those who weave Harris Tweed, it is a legacy that needs to honoured and cherished.
Raising the money through government funding and increased tourism is required in order to teach new weavers. There are those on the island who would like to learn the trade so they will be able to carry on the tradition of Harris Tweed.
(c)Thomas Eggar, www.sxc.hu
the chance to review the image is great for checking everything over one last time before printing. the time between reviewing the print and delivery was another positive, taking only a couple of days. my friends were really pleased with the finished items. unfortunately i was out when the courier called. he didn't note the date or time of his attempted delivery on his card and he hadn't filled in when or if he would attempt delivery again. on repeatedly phoning the company on a friday between 4:50 and 6 i got no answer. i then tried again on the monday morning, but once again i got no answer. after phoning clothes2order they resolved everything. i realise this is outwith the control of clothes2order, but it soured an otherwise excellent service.
Delighted with the results. Very popular so repeat orders very likely.
great service, no problems at all