I first visited Innerpeffray Library last year, toward the end of the Summer and again in October for a an event in the Library: Robert Lloyd Parry performing M.R.James stories. It is a special place and caught my imagination enough to spur me onto beginning a site specific project there, something that, as I addressed in my previous blog post, has been a long standing ambition. There are links, however, to this interest of mine in narrative and place, which have appeared at various stages in my work as a Textile Designer. My Textile Design work with Outlander certainly allowed narrative elements to be drawn into the design work.
During one of my earlier visits to the library, Sir Walter Scott was mentioned in passing to me by one of the staff members. They talked of his huge popularity and notability in his day, and how, while he is still greatly revered today, he is sadly and undeservedly, less celebrated. I knew little of him, but became curious of his legacy following this converstation at Innerpeffray, and when I learnt of his creation at Abbotsford, my curiosity was peaked further and I felt drawn to learn more about this great literary figure.
My interest also being, in the links these two sites have with one another; the first lending Library in Scotland: Innerpeffray, sharing knowledge and stories to all. And Abbotsford, the magical site upon which such celebrated stories were created. Also, Scott being amoung the most commonly borrowed authors at the library of Innerpeffray, according to records held at there, giving us an intriguing glimpse into Scotts readership during his lifetime and beyond.
I have around 250 digital photographs, a collection of polaroid prints, a notebook full of information, a number of links to online references, sketches and the experience of two wonderful days researching the site of Innerpeffray Library, so theres a fair amount to go through! Above are a few snippets, many more to come!