Unique knitting aid project will explore city's stories of slavery
20/07/07
Hundreds of Aberdeen knitters have joined forces to create a unique artwork and aid package to commemorate the abolition of slavery.
Cast-offs is an innovative knitting project developed as part of a series of events, art projects and exhibitions taking place in the city to mark 200 years since the legal end of the transatlantic slave trade.
Knitters will create hundreds of items of children's clothing that artists will build into a striking image to go on show in the city's Kirk of St Nicholas.
And at the end of the exhibition the clothing will be sent to Uganda as a gift from the city to the babies of young girls abducted in the East African republic.
A total of 300 people have requested knitting packs, which contain a pattern, wool, needles and project information.
The project is supported by Heritage Lottery Fund and through the in-kind contribution of Johnstons of Elgin and JC Rennie, who supplied the wool.
It is hoped that 600 jerseys will be completed and at the end of the exhibition the clothing will be sent to Uganda as a gift from the City to the babies of young girls abducted in the East African republic of Uganda.
The 600 garments represent one for each child kidnapped in Aberdeen during the 18th century and sold to plantation owners in America. 'Indian' Peter Williamson, from Aboyne, was one of these children: he later successfully sued the Provost, four Bailies and the Dean of Guild for their collusion in his kidnapping.
The aim of this project is to provide an informal learning environment where groups and individuals are able to learn about and discuss Aberdeen's stories of slavery. In doing so, participants will create a striking, contemplative and thought provoking installation in textiles- a medium associated with past and contemporary slavery.
The Arts Development team would like to invite knitting groups and individual knitters to be part of this unique artwork.
For further information or to request a knitting pack, please contact the reception at WhiteSpace on (01224) 523640.
In conjunction with the Cast Offs project free places are available at a storytelling session in the Maritime Museum on Monday July 30 from 1pm until 3pm.
Children and families will be taken on an amazing journey through the life and times of Indian Peter – from his kidnapping to his trial and imprisonment at the Tolbooth in Aberdeen.
To book a place on the storytelling session please call (01224) 523640.
