The artwork is displayed on powder-coated steel gates, designed by Whittle and made at Glasgow Sculpture Studios. It was unveiled on 5 October 2023 at the Queen’s House in Greenwich.
Feeling Blue has been developed in response to RMG’s large and varied collections, as well as the history and cultural significance of Greenwich. The 160 x 155 cm tapestry is filled with richly evocative textures, symbolic shapes, and tropical colours. It was woven by hand over a period of six months by Naomi Robertson and Elaine Wilson at Dovecot Studios. They used a variety of techniques, yarns, and over 150 colour mixes to add variety and depth to the surface of the tapestry.
Dominating the tapestry is the phrase ‘feeling blue’ which stands out from a background of blues and greens, the combination of different shades resembling water in motion. Blue is immediately associated with oceans and seas but there are also more emotive connotations which Whittle chose to explore. The colour blue, and in particular the term ‘feeling blue’, is used to describe sadness or depression. While the exact origin of the term is uncertain it has been suggested that it comes from the tradition of ships flying blue flags and officers bearing a painted blue band when a captain or officer died. For others, blue symbolises tranquillity. In the Queen’s House the colour blue is used throughout for decoration, notably the balustrade of the Tulip Stairs.
Drawing on her research of the British naval uniform, Whittle also reflects on the legacies of British colonialism. From the mid-eighteenth-century, the Royal Navy introduced a uniform for officers made from a deep blue fabric. The colour was achieved using a dye from the indigo plant that was native to India. Until the end of the eighteenth century the indigo plant was grown, harvested and processed by enslaved people on North American plantations. Indentured labourers in India and modern-day Bangladesh also produced indigo for the East India Company. Today, Navy blue endures as a colour of authority from police to military officers, though the history of the colour and connection to colonialism is little known.
Whittle continues her exploration of maritime worlds by the inclusion of coloured ropes – reminiscent of those used on ships. For Whittle, rope is a symbol of both hope and oppression. Ropes are associated with bondage, imprisonment and even execution but are equally symbolic of lifelines for people in distress. Whittle’s ongoing engagement with the climate crisis is found in the decorative coral that frames the tapestry. The delicate pastel pinks and vibrant yellows evoke the beauty of tropical oceans and are a reminder of the importance of reefs. Decorative cultured freshwater pearl beads have also been stitched onto the tapestry. As well as representing an oceanic realm, Whittle connects Feeling Blue with two sixteenth-century paintings the Armada Portrait and Sir Francis Drake which will be displayed alongside the tapestry. In both portraits, pearls are used as a symbol of wealth, some of which was derived from colonial trade and exploitation.
The tapestry is hung on a set of blue ‘gates’, which are an important component of Whittle’s work. Whittle sees the ‘gates’ as reminiscent of fencing, suggesting containment and control. Placed within the gallery space the gates no longer act as a barrier. Instead, Whittle uses the gates to expand rather than restrict as visitors are free to walk around them and view the tapestry from both sides. The decorative fretwork on the panels evokes the architecture of the Queen’s House, in particular the Tulip Stairs.
Alberta Whittle, said: “The commission has been a wonderful opportunity to think deeply about maritime histories and consider the powers in place that decide how these histories are portrayed. This new tapestry is a chance to explore these ideas of power alongside the rhythms of the ocean and its vulnerability under climate colonialism. The commission has also provided me with the opportunity to continue to work with Naomi Robertson and Elaine Wilson at Dovecot Studios and the rest of the fantastic weaving team.”
Celia Joicey, Director of Dovecot Studios, said: "This commission represents the contemporary significance of tapestry as a collective medium. Started in the midst of the 2021 lockdown, it is testimony to a group of people responding creatively and collaboratively to the Museum collections. Feeling Blue embodies the passion, focus and skill of Dovecot’s weavers, Alberta Whittle’s endlessly interesting ideas and the care and enterprise of the commissioning team."
Katherine Gazzard, Curator of Art, Royal Museums Greenwich, said: “At Royal Museums Greenwich, we are committed to working with contemporary artists whose practice engages with our historic sites and collections, as well as with the present challenges facing our communities and our planet. The opportunity to commission a contemporary tapestry from Alberta Whittle and Dovecot Studios spoke powerfully to this ethos. The finished tapestry will go on public display in the Queen’s House, our flagship art gallery. When the Queen’s House was built in the early 17th century, it was at the cutting edge of art and design. Commissions like Feeling Blue help us to honour that legacy, ensuring that, four centuries after the building’s completion, the Queen’s House continues to showcase artistic innovations and new perspectives.”
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Feeling Blue
Alberta Whittle
Tapestry by Dovecot Studios
2023, cotton, linen, synthetic yarn, cultured freshwater pearl beads
Tapestry woven for Dovecot by Naomi Robertson, Master Weaver, and Elaine Wilson
Displayed on powder coated steel gates made by Glasgow Sculpture Studios
Purchased with assistance from the Contemporary Art Society

London

United Kingdom

Greenwich

Searching for information and tickets regarding Feeling Blue, Alberta Whittle | Greenwich taking place in Greenwich on 2023年10月5日–2030年12月31日 (UTC)? Trip.com has you covered. Check the dates, itineraries, and other information about Feeling Blue, Alberta Whittle | Greenwich now! Trip.com has also prepared more similar exciting activities and discounted flight and hotel packages.

Feeling Blue, Alberta Whittle | Greenwich: Tickets, Dates & Itineraries | Trip.com

Feeling Blue, Alberta Whittle | Greenwich

Feeling Blue, Alberta Whittle

Feeling Blue, Alberta Whittle | Trip.com

null | Trip.com

Spread the word! Share your result with friends and discover their opinions!

Themed exhibition halls

Exhibitions

Royal Observatory Greenwich

Immediate access

Book now for today

Family-Friendly Attractions

Planetariums

M86***83

Season (6-9 month): Sunny, is the peak season for British tourism, various art festivals and activities are colorful. Spring and autumn season: wet and rainy, relatively low comfort. Winter (11-2 month): less sunny days, low temperature, not suitable for outdoor activities, it is recommended to avoid. Transport trains in the UK: convenient and comfortable, suitable for short trips. Self-driving: high degree of freedom, suitable for long-distance travel. 🔹 Greenwich Observatory 🚢 Katisaker: It is said that there are some records related to China on the ship. If time is tight, a day pass is a good choice. Historical records: The Observatory has preserved the deeds, measurement instruments and daily life records of successive astronomers. The Royal Greenwich Observatory is not only a scientific shrine, but also a place full of history and seafaring stories. Here you can feel the power of science up close, from the rise of the steam engine to the end of the great seafaring era to the invention of computers and the development of network technology, scientific progress never stopped.

Greenwich Park

Historic buildings

Anony Q

Second time here for the cherry blossom&hellip; The park was packed but the view was absolutely gorgeous.

Old Royal Naval College

多多

I love Greenwich, this is the most amazing place! I traveled with my partner and parents who were deeply impressed by the intricacies and beauty of the place. I can&rsquo;t wait to do it again and I think it will be a regular spot for our weekend walk now! My dream is to get married here!

The O2

Performances

Ase0

I remember as a kid it was first called The Millennium Dome. So many cool things were inside🇬🇧 it was like a work of art of waxworks. Now it&#39;s a stunning arena hosting many live events.The Thames, the Cable Car and loads of bars and restaurants surround the theatre. Definitely an attraction.

National Maritime Museum

Museums

Travel.poodie

Worth for visit, you can understand more about the history of British maritime.Free of charge and walk-in is available.

Recommended Products for Feeling Blue, Alberta Whittle | Greenwich

Time:	2023年10月5日–2030年12月31日 (UTC)
Location:	Rail from Charing Cross to Greenwich in around 20 minutes.

Feeling Blue, Alberta Whittle | Greenwich

Details

Vote

Are you interested in Feeling Blue, Alberta Whittle?

Recommended Products for Feeling Blue, Alberta Whittle | Greenwich

Feeling Blue, Alberta Whittle

Royal Observatory Greenwich

Greenwich Park

Old Royal Naval College

The O2

National Maritime Museum

Feeling Blue, Alberta Whittle | Greenwich

Details

Vote

Are you interested in Feeling Blue, Alberta Whittle?

Recommended Products for Feeling Blue, Alberta Whittle | Greenwich

Feeling Blue, Alberta Whittle

Royal Observatory Greenwich

Greenwich Park

Old Royal Naval College

The O2

National Maritime Museum

More contents about Greenwich