On May 17th 1810 the poet Robert Tannahill drowned himself in a Paisley canal.
Some posts can hit home more than others, anyone who has or is going through the hell of real depression will understand more than others. The stigma of the disease is being more talked about more than ever, it’s not a new thing to be depressed, our own Scottish King Robert III is said to have suffered from it, indeed he described himself as “the worst of kings and the most miserable of men”.
On to Robert Tannahill, who, in his lifetime was as famous as our national bard Robert Burns, he was in the same mould of the Ploughman Poet and was the first Secretary of the Paisley Burns Club established in 1805 he also wrote several poems and songs in Burns’ memory.
Tannahill had friends in Glasgow and neighbouring towns, attended the theatre in Glasgow and, importantly, was familiar with the publishers in Glasgow who were established in selling ballad poetry. His early works were also printed in the Glasgow Courier, leading to his recognition as the leading poet of the periodicals. Tannahill’s first collection was ‘The Sodger’s Return’. a Scottish interlude in two acts, with other poems and songs, chiefly in the Scottish dialect. It sold well, and the latter part of the title is a clear homage to Burns.
Robert Tannahill – the ‘Weaver Poet’in Paisley, the son of James Tannahill and Janet Pollock. Young Robert was apprenticed as a weaver at the age of 12 in 1786 and spent a brief time working at Bolton, in Lancashire, England. He returned home to Paisley and began to compose pieces of verse in Scots which were published by various journals. Scottish weavers had a reputation for literacy and cultivated tastes because their work, often done at a loom with the feet, allowed them the freedom to hold and read books. When his father died in 1802, Robert joined the newly established ‘Paisley Literary and Convivial Association’ which was an outlet for his literary tastes.
In 1810 after having work rejected by an Edinburgh publisher Robert drowned himself in the Candren Burn, his body was discovered by his two brothers. Tannahill was buried at Castlehead Cemetery, Canal Street, Paisley, in an unmarked grave in what was formerly the West Relief Church. In 1866 a granite monument was erected here to his memory. There is also a statue to Tannahill next to Paisley Abbey, erected by public subscription in 1883.
There is a famous story involving Tannahill’s emotional farewell to James Hogg who had travelled west in the hope of meeting the Paisley poet. Hogg says that, upon leaving Tannhill, he ‘had scarcely reached Edinburgh’ before he ‘read in the newspapers an account of his sad end.’
Again I say about depression, nobody knows what is going on inside the mind of people, it’s an invisible illness, a silent killer, you can be talking to someone who shows no signs of depression outwardly, but inside they are toiling, be mindful with people, never be harsh with your words.
The Flower of Levern Side.
Ye sunny braes that skirt the Clyde Wi’ simmer flowers sae braw, There’s ae sweet flower on Levern side, That’s fairer than them a’: Yet aye it droops its head in wae, Regardless o’ the sunny ray, And Wastes its sweets frae day to day, Beside the lonely shaw; Wi’ leaves a’ steep’d in sorrow’s dew, Fause, cruel man, it seems to rue, Wha aft the sweetest flower will pu’, Then rend its heart in twa.
Thou bonny flow'r on Levern side, O gin thou'lt be but mine; I’ll tend thee wi’ a lover’s pride, Wi’ love that ne'er shall tine; I’ll take thee to my shelt'ring bower, And shield thee frae the beating shower, Unharm’d by ought thou'lt bloom secure Frae a’ the blasts that blaw: Thy charms surpass the crimson dye That streaks the glowing western sky, But here, unshaded, soon thou'lt die, And lone will be thy fa’.
Making our signature Danae Lampshade. This pattern with inwoven native cane is inspired by Cypriot traditional Asproploumia fabrics. The resulting design evokes Classical Greece.
A new 3-day workshop is taking place on the 18th, 19th, and 20th of March -Thursday to Saturday- from 8:30am to 1:30pm. Make sure you reserve your slot as there are only four available!
The lessons consist of traditional Fyti and Asproploumi techniques and each participant takes home their own handwoven piece.
Preparing a custom curtain based on the white Arete shawl. A striped pattern textured with loops, twisted warp threads and interlaced net-like structures.
The completed piece will consist of four such parts connected.
Since we are going through another lockdown the showroom is closed but orders can be placed through the website. Link in bio.
Happy New Year. Thank you for supporting my work and the ancient craft of hand weaving.
Here are a couple of photos from the traditional warp making process. After each three-day weaving workshop, students are invited to witness and participate in the construction of a new warp.
At the moment, due to current regulations, only one on one lessons are offered. If you are keen to familiarise yourself with traditional looms and techniques then do get in touch :)
Working on an Akamas cushion cover, a piece inspired by long Summer days spent gazing at the glistening sea. . Please note that tomorrow (30th) the showroom/workshop will be open from 10am to 4:30pm and on the 31st from 9:30am to 1:30pm. Big thank you to those who have visited so far!
Just a quick reminder that today Friday the 11th and this weekend Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th of December the workshop/showroom will be open from 10:30 to 19:00.
Alternatively you can see the new collection of handwoven cushion covers ‘Chromatin Loops’ and shop online here: https://www.juliastreou.com/shop-11
Saint Barbara’s Street(next to St Barbara’s church)
Stocking up on the recycled plastic coasters today. These are great for placing hot mugs due to the thickness of the tubes. A contemporary minimal look suitable for all interiors. Will be added to the shop soon.
Here is the finished sisal and inwoven cane wall-hanging based on the traditional Asproploumi weave with its characteristic meander design ready for its new home.
Working on a wall-hanging commission based on the traditional Asproploumi weave with its characteristic meander design as well as inwoven cane and sisal.
It has been decided that the traditional weaving lessons will take place next week under the condition that participants will have to wear a mask. There are three out of four slots available, so do let me know if you are interested. The dates and times are:
Thursday 15th / 8:30am-1:30pm
Friday 16th / 8:30am-1:30pm
Saturday 17th / 8:30am-1:30pm
The course costs a total of €180 (€80 to be payed upfront to secure a place) and takes place at the workshop in Kaimakli, Nicosia. For more information please click here: https://www.juliastreou.com/lessons
Hey knitters! Ever wondered what strange delights weavers create with Mothy and the Squid yarn? (I did!!) Check out this gorgeous hand woven bag by @nanettewake using our “Flamboyant Sparklefish“ colourway. She posts lovely pictures of her original woven creations on IG and has a beautiful shop on Etsy. #yarn #yarnporn #yarnstash #yarnaddict #yarnstagram #knit #knitting #knitter #knittersofinstagram #instaknit #knitspiration #knitting_inspiration #knitstagram #mothyandthesquid #etsy #ravelry #sockyarn #sockknitting #operationsockdrawer #knitallthethings #knittersoftheworld #fibreshare #indiedyer #weaver #indieyarn #fibresharetribe #yarnspirations #weaversofinstagram #handwoven #weaving (at Mothy and the Squid)
Final pt IV in this new series | secondhand and vintage fibers (mostly cotton and wool) on a neutral cotton warp | exploring architecture, color, and geometry
