Private Members’ Club in London The Caledonian Club

I am thrilled and feel privileged to be the invited speaker at this year’s ALBA Lunch in October 2021 at the private members’ club in London, ‘The Caledonian Club’. The title of my speech is ‘A Life Imagined’. I will speak about the themes and stories of my past highlights such : The Millennium Kilt series, Heathrow project and others. I will explain my practice . Talk about the hand-dying process, the manipulation of fabric and fibres and techniques I utilise in my work to make my fine art contemporary wall hangings and art to wear.

The Caledonian Club is a little bit of Scotland in the heart of London. Founded in 1891, the private Members’ Club is situated in the beautiful surroundings of Belgravia. The Caledonian Club is considered to be one of the friendliest Clubs in the Capital, a home from home, providing comfort, fraternity and a familiar place to relax and unwind. The words below is a description written by the Club: 

Here at The Caledonian Club, we take great pride in many things. We’re immensely proud of our history as a member’s club for Scotsmen and women in London, and that we provide a friendly, luxurious, and homely welcome for our members, their friends and families, and our esteemed guests. We’re proud also of the dinners and parties we host, the charitable causes we support, and our dedication to upholding Scottish standards of excellence in food, drink, and hospitality. Our pride also goes into our events, with each and every wedding, birthday, anniversary, and Burns’ Night celebration being one to remember. However, we’re also incredibly proud of our location, and the fact that our stylish, elegant, and distinguished clubhouse is nestled in the very heart of Belgravia – one of London’s most exclusive and charming neighbourhood.

This is my first public speech since the first covid lockdown in March 2020. I am most excited and immensely proud to be speaking at this event. The time and space the covid-19 lockdowns gave me were extremely valuable for the re-evaluation of the way I work, and think. There seemed to be extra time to explore and experiment with my medium of embroidery and weave. I also enjoyed the silence. The silence in skies, no aeroplane noise, the silence of traffic and the louder noise of nature. It was a bizarre time. I am still reflecting on the experience and I am sure many of you are too.