Milestone Tapestry

The Milestone Tapestry was commissioned especially for the new Milestone Kirk.  
Leila Thomson, of Hoxa Gallery, designed and created a circular tapestry that celebrates the character of Birsay, Harray and Sandwick and the coming together of the three parishes into one united parish, with a new place of worship at its centre.

 Milestone Tapestry

artist: Leila Thomson
materials: cotton warp, wools, linen and cotton weft
size: 4ft 2 inch diameter
photography: C. Tait

It was commissioned by Neil Price, husband of then minister Andrea Price, in October 2011 and was installed in time for the ordination and induction of new minister David McNeish in January 2015.  A service to celebrate the installation was delayed until August 2015 to enable Andrea and Neil to be part of the celebrations.  You can listen to an interview on Radio Orkney about the tapestry, recorded at the service.

Based in St Margaret's Hope, Leila Thomson is a renowned Orcadian tapestry artist whose work is inspired by the rhythm of life and landscape of Orkney.  The Milestone Tapestry is the first time she has focused a piece of work on the West Mainland and it captures the beauty, spirituality and history of the parishes whilst retaining her unique style and insight.

Thanks to her kindness, gift cards of the tapestry are available from members of the congregation, in aid of church funds.  Prints of the tapestry are available from Hoxa Gallery, which is well worth a visit.