A hand crafted banner, created by Mull and Iona women in 2018, will be displayed as part of Women Making History, an exhibition taking place from 2 June – 11 July 2021 at London Scottish House in Westminster.
In June 2018 a mass participation artwork took place which was inspired by the banners of the suffrage movement, marking 100 years since women in the UK were allowed to vote. The art project was commission by 14-18 NOW and produced by Artichoke. The women who came together on the streets a hundred years ago made themselves visible with handmade flags, banners, pins and rosettes. The workshops focused on text and textiles, echoing the practices of the women’s suffrage campaign, and the banners made represented and celebrated the diverse voices of women and girls from different backgrounds.
One hundred women artists were commissioned to work with communities across the UK to create 100 centenary banners. Women’s groups across the UK and leading figures in British art and design produced the banners which will now be displayed together for the first time in this free exhibition.
The banner produced by Mull and Iona women is in the shape of a sail held aloft by oars. Materials include handmade net, made under the instruction of a salmon fisher woman; tweed by Ardalanish Weavers and the Sound of Iona Tartan. Images and names of inspirational local women, past and present are celebrated within a map of Mull and inscribed in the surrounding sea, with the use of Mull beeswax. The banner also depicts lyrics, words and poetry from the work of women writers on the islands. A sash across the banner portrays the phrase in local wool, “We Know Where We’re Going” from the 1945 box office hit, “I Know Where I’m Going”, which was filmed on Mull, starring a woman of independent spirit.
The Mull and Iona banner was created through Comar with Alicia Hendrick working with participants from local schools, the Guiding Association and women’s group (SWRI).
The exhibition at London Scottish House in Westminster is on until July 11 but can also be viewed remotely on https://www.artichoke.uk.com/processions-banners-online-exhibit
