Exploring Dovecot, Edinburgh

Welcome to DES Talks, a podcast that celebrates creativity and people from across Scotland. In this episode Susanna visits Dovecot, a tapestry studio in the heart of Edinburgh. Founded in the early 20th century and very much inspired by the Arts and Crafts powerhouse William Morris, today Dovecot is celebrated for its ambitious collaborations with leading contemporary artists, such as Linder, Alberta Whittle and Chris Ofili to create outstanding tapestries. Susanna chats to Dovecot's director, Celia Joicey and master weaver, Naomi Robertson. They discuss Dovecot's early history and its journey to its present day home, a former public baths where members of the public can look down from a viewing balcony to the weavers weaving on vast looms below. She also talks to Clare Woods, an artist who has recently worked with Dovecot on three tapestries. Woven from watercolours of weeds and entangled undergrowth painted by Clare, the tapestries in brilliant verdant greens are soon to go on display at London's Garden Museum. You can hear more from Clare in our DES Talks - Clare Woods. Dovecot Studios Clare Woods Garden Museum Earth Matter Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Thanks so much for listening to this episode of DES Talks, we do hope you enjoyed it. Please do spread the word, share, subscribe and rate and rave - we really want to share these conversations far and wide! And don’t forget to explore our previous podcasts such as our visit to the Pier Arts Centre in Orkney, our conversation with Viv Lee and Jonathan Wade talking clay and the making of Earth Becoming for Earth Matters or Susanna's chat with celebrated film maker Mark Cousins about his film, A Sudden Glimpse to Deeper Things celebrating the artist, Wilhelmina Barns-Graham. Huge thanks to musician Malin Lewis for Cycle Lane which accompanies DES Talks and Ryan Scott Media for production. Image Clare Woods and Dovecot Studios, The Volunteers, 2026, ©Dovecot Studios