... on Harris and Lewis - a search for clues:
the original Harris Tweed
The original Harris Tweed is only produced in the Outer Hebrides on the left hand side of Scotland and is exclusively home-made.
The definition from 1993 reads as follows:
‘Harris Tweed is a fabric handwoven by the islanders of Lewis, Harris, Uist and Barra in their homes from pure new wool dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides.’ (Wikipedia)
The trademark is a label of authenticity bearing the orb, which is sewn onto each garment.
Tweed has always been woven in Scotland. As weaving by hand became uneconomical in the age of the industrial revolution, weaving machines replaced the old loom in many places. Only the Outer Hebrides retained this old production method - they have always been known for their good quality.
Tweed production began at the end of the 19th century. Lady Dunmore owned the islands of Harris and Lewis at this time. However, as there was not much going on there economically and everything had to be shipped back and forth at great expense, the Lady came up with the idea of introducing tweed from Harris and Lewis to high society in London. This led to an increased demand for Harris Tweed and thus to a more economical utilisation of the Outer Hebrides.
Since 1910, Harris Tweed has been recognised as a protected trademark and can only be produced on these two islands using old looms - just like 100 years ago.
We took a look at Harris and Lewis to understand what makes this special place so special.
In a short film, we tried to give our impression of the island and the few people. The rough and barren landscape, the vast sea, the many sheep and the makers of the tweed - the ‘WEAVER’ who weave the tweed and the ‘MILL’ who dye and spin the tweed.
Nature is the source of inspiration for the patterns and colours that are reflected in tweed.
We hope you enjoy our little search for traces of Harris Tweed.
Ulla and Oliver Sklorz
die form on tour - the film
die form on tour - the pictures
