Gray’s lecturer becomes first female to join Aberdeen Weaver Incorporation

Head of Textiles and Fashion at Gray’s School of Art, Elaine Gowans, has completed the membership entry processes which included, ‘proving her craft’ in which she produced a woven fabric, ‘by her own hand’, over seen by an Essay Master and two Oversmen.  All according to the Incorporation’s traditional practices. 

At a meeting in early September with the membership present, she was formally admitted, took the oath and signed the Weavers members’ book. 

Elaine said, “I am thrilled to be a member of such an historic organisation with, at its heart, the art and craft which I have personally held dear.  In 1988, as a textiles student at Gray’s, I was awarded the Aberdeen Weaver Incorporation Career Enhancement Award which had only been established the previous year so becoming a member, particularly the first female member, is indeed meaningful for me.

“I am looking forward to helping to build on the strong and productive relationship Gray’s School of Art has with the Aberdeen Weaver Incorporation and to connect creative practitioners across the region so the crafts people can share knowledge, foster enterprise and develop their training.

“I want to highlight the historic importance of the Aberdeen Weaver Incorporation and the textile industry to the region and the fundamental role it has played in Aberdeen’s history."

Earlier this year, the Aberdeen Weaver Incorporation celebrated the 800th anniversary of its formation.  Over time, other craftsmen in Aberdeen with similar skillsets began to form themselves into incorporations, all with the same objective: to maintain the standards of their craft; ensure that their skills were passed on to future generations and to support and look after fellow members and their families. 

In 1587, seven of these craft groupings, Hammermen, Bakers, Wrights & Coopers, Tailors, Shoemakers, Weavers and Fleshers, decided to work together under the leadership of a Deacon Convener so that they could speak with one clear voice to the Town Council and so ensure that the needs of craftsmen and their workers would be taken into account.

Speaking about this significant occasion the Deacon of the Weaver Incorporation, Adam Byrne, said, “The Weaver Incorporation has, for nearly forty years had a close association with the Textile and Fashion Department of Gray’s School of Art through its Career Enhancement Award which supports the development and skills of students preparing for a career in textiles.

"Elaine’s membership of the Weaver Incorporation is both deserved on a personal level and underlines our desire to develop our organisation whilst delivering on our historic practices of preparing young people for their lifetime in the working environment."

In the coming weeks, Elaine will be presented to the Town Council as a new member of the Aberdeen Weaver Incorporation in an historic ceremony which will bestow on her Burgess of Trade status.

A Career Enhancement Award evening takes place at Trinity Hall on Monday 7 November at 7pm. The presentation will celebrate outstanding work from Gray’s Fashion & Textile students and reflects the Aberdeen Weaver Incorporation’s support for students preparing for a career in textiles.

Image shows Elaine Gowans, Head of Textiles and Fashion Gray’s with Deacon Adam Byrne.

Group image - Left to right; Ex Deacon Ian Dale, Late Deacon George Henderson, Elaine Gowans GSA, Deacon Adam Byrne and Ex Deacon Graeme Nicol .