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The city’s first-ever ’moving picture show’ was unveiled by cinema pioneer Peter Feathers in Castle Street in 1896 and, at one point, Dundee had 75 cinemas. The city was big on bars and nightclubs, too. Bob and Betty Barty ran the Star Ballroom in Lochee for many years, and taught disco and ballroom to generations of dance-loving Dundonians. Meanwhile, Northern Soul fans would take to the floor at Marryat Hall and The Nine Maidens, or catch the bus to the legendary Wigan Casino. DUNDEE CULTURE Up Up Cinemas and Dancehalls Places to dance and dream Favourite entertainment venues are honoured on this panel. The city’s first-ever ’moving picture show’ was unveiled by cinema pioneer Peter Feathers in Castle Street in 1896 and, at one point, Dundee had 75 cinemas. The city was big on bars and nightclubs, too. Bob and Betty Barty ran the Star Ballroom in Lochee for many years, and taught disco and ballroom to generations of dance-loving Dundonians. Meanwhile, Northern Soul fans would take to the floor at Marryat Hall and The Nine Maidens, or catch the bus from Lindsay Street to the legendary Wigan Casino. Here, we celebrate current and long-gone venues that are still loved and remembered by the people of Dundee. Up Up This panel was stitched by Meg Bartram Susan Falconer Louise Laing Valeen Lyons Ann Ross Susan Scott Sheena Sigsworth

The Nine Incorporated Trades of Dundee was formed in the 16th century, creating an alliance among the city’s most prolific trades. This panel reflects the organisation’s roots and its commitment to fundraising for worthy local causes. We also celebrate the Nine Trades’ ongoing support for the advancement of the arts, heritage, culture and science; citizenship and community development; education; religion; and health. DUNDEE INDUSTRY Up Up The Nine Trades Forging alliances between Dundee’s ancient trades The Nine Incorporated Trades of Dundee was formed in the 16th century, creating an alliance among the city’s most prolific trades. There is a traditional hierarchy in place which orders the Nine Trades as follows: Bakers, Cordiners, Glovers, Tailors, Bonnetmakers, Fleshers, Hammermen, Weavers and Dyers. This panel reflects the organisation’s roots and its commitment to fundraising for worthy local causes. We also celebrate the Nine Trades’ ongoing support for the advancement of the arts, heritage, culture and science; citizenship and community development; education; religion; and health. 1. Weavers With origins going back to 1512, the Weaver Craft is a community organisation with more than 80 current members. Originally, the Weavers regulated the linen and jute trades in Dundee: it controlled who had the right to weave and sell cloth within the burgh, maintained quality standards, and provided apprenticeships in the textile industries. Modern community funding projects include an inter-generational project that links schools with care homes; the Weavers Prize, an annual award for textile students at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design (DJCAD); digitising the Trades’ Lockit books; and the Dundee Tapestry. 2. Bakers This trade was once known as ‘Baxters’ and its current Lockit Book was opened in 1554, although earlier records from 136 4 also mention the purchase of bread from Dundee bakers for the Royal household. Today, the Bakers Trade continues to care for the sick and poor, and is particularly focused on training and apprenticeships. 3. Cordiners (shoemakers) Once known in Scotland as ‘Soutars’, the shoemakers and cobblers in 17th century Dundee were busy people. As trade dwindled in the 19th century, leather belting for machinery took over but that eventually died out, too. Currently the Cordiners are involved with the Weavers in digitising the Trades’ Lockit books, in partnership with Dundee University, and their members also repair leather-bound historical books. Today’s members are committed to carrying out charity work, particularly for educational purposes. 4. Glovers (glovemakers) A tannery for use by glovemakers (or ‘skinners’ as they were once known), to prepare the leather for their craft, was constructed beside the Wallace Burn in 1522, not far from St Roques Chapel. This trade continues its charitable work today as an ‘open’ Craft. 5. Hammermen (metal-workers) This was an important and wealthy trade, with royal connections – a pair of pistols made in Dundee for King Louis XIII of France sold for £54,000 at an auction in 2001. At one point, this Craft encompassed Goldsmiths and Silversmiths, along with Bucklemakers, Blacksmiths, Watchmakers, Cutlers, Gunsmiths and Engineers. 6. Tailors In the mid-1900s, Reform Street was the ‘Saville Row’ of Dundee, with more than a dozen tailors working there, and by the 1950s, there were over 40. Today, the Tailors Craft continues to support those working in the clothing industry and it funds a bursary and a textiles student prize at both Dundee & Angus College and DJCAD. 7. Dyers The Dyers formally became part of the Nine Trades in 1693 and, historically, the Craft played an important role alongside Dundee’s textile industries. Today, the Dyers’ funding commitments include an award at DJCAD; a design competition called Creative Spaces for secondary school children; and Tayside Dynamos Powerchair Football Club, a popular disability team sport. 8. Bonnetmakers Traditionally, Dundee bonnets (also known as ‘toories’ or ‘tammies’) were black when worn by the middle classes, or blue for the working classes; some were also made in russet. By becoming an ‘open’ Craft, the Bonnetmakers adapted to survive and members now include healthcare practitioners, solicitors, accountants and other business-owners. The Bonnetmakers was also one of the first Trades to admit women. 9. Fleshers (butchers) Representing the butchers of Dundee, many families with long ties to the Fleshers Craft still run award-winning butchery businesses in the city. Members of the Fleshers Trade take turns to supply the meat for the Nine Trades’ annual Bridie Supper. 10. Creative arts The Nine Trades is a committed supporter of art and culture in Dundee. Its support includes awards to students at DJCAD, and funding for creative bodies such as V&A Dundee, the Dundee Repertory Theatre, Dundee Heritage Trust, Dundee Youth Music Theatre, and many other projects in local schools and colleges. 11. The Howff & The Conveners Stone Meetings of the Nine Trades’ Convenors Court were traditionally held every November to decide who qualified for financial support from each Trade. Originally, the Deacons, Boxmasters and Clerks of the Nine Trades met at The Convenors Stone in The Howff, an ancient graveyard. 12. Donations Although the nine individual Trades are not charities, the board of trustees has charitable status to enable grants, donations and loans to be given to those in need. This includes pensions for those that worked in each Trade; funding for universities, schools and colleges in Dundee; and financial support for the young, vulnerable and disadvantaged. 13. Deacon Convener Each of the Nine Trades has a Deacon, and the Deacon Convener is the presiding officer of this group and the general fund charity. A new Deacon Convener is named every two years. 14. Education support This includes financial awards for local students in various design-led disciplines, as well as Degree Show prizes awarded to students at DJCAD and Dundee & Angus College on behalf of the Weavers, Tailors and Dyers Crafts. Other activities include funding for the Dundee University Summer School; High School of Dundee bursaries; and support in secondary and tertiary education for disadvantaged pupils. 15. Lockit Book Each Trade has a Lockit Book which is looked after by the Clerk or Boxmaster. These books go back many hundreds of years and, inside, they contain a record of membership of each Craft and details of its accounts. Currently, the Nine Trades’ Lockit Books are undergoing a programme of digitisation and will be available online in years to come. 16. Scientific research Examples of recent funding from the Nine Trades for scientific research includes grants and projects in local schools and colleges, and through its commitment to digitising the Lockit Books. 17. Bridie Supper Traditionally, after the annual business of the Convenors Court had been discussed, each November meeting would be adjourned to a local ale house for food and drink. This practice continues today and is now known as the annual Bridie Supper. Up Up This panel was stitched by Margaret Craig Fiona Mackenzie Helen Nairn Alison Scott Susannah Silver Linda Spencer Jackie Tunstall-Pedoe

In Dundee, there have always been different ways to belong. In the 1970s, belonging to a gang meant wearing brightly-coloured gang jumpers – like the designs shown here. Later, those gangs put aside their differences and came together through the transformative power of Northern Soul music – some popular records are named here. Today, ethnic communities provide a sense of belonging by bringing the spirit of their cultures to the city, while the Dundee’s LGBTQIA+ community is stronger than ever. DUNDEE COMMUNITIES Up Up Gangs, jumpers and Northern Soul A sense of belonging In Dundee, there have always been different ways to belong, as this panel reveals. In the 1970s, belonging to a gang meant wearing brightly-coloured gang jumpers – like the designs shown here. Later, those gangs put aside their differences and came together through the transformative power of Northern Soul music – some popular records are named here. Today, ethnic communities provide a sense of belonging by bringing the spirit of their cultures to the city, while the Dundee’s LGBTQIA+ community is stronger than ever. 1. Gang jumpers In the 1970s, territory was everything and lads from different parts of Dundee – particularly its social housing estates – wore distinctive V-necked jerseys in specific ‘gang’ colours. Most of the jerseys were made at the Knitting & Sewing Centre in Victoria Road, but some were also knitted at home by willing mums and grannies. Customisation included sleeve pockets, cardigan versions, initials on the pockets, and ‘reverse’ colour combos – similar to a football team’s strips for ‘home’ and ‘away’. 2. Northern Soul The song titles stitched on this panel were Northern Soul favourites in the late 1970s and early 1980s. As Dundee’s local gangs put aside their differences to come together on the dancefloor, popular Northern Soul venues included Marryat Hall, Angus Hotel, Queen’s Hotel, Jumpin’ Jacks at the Tay Centre, and St Salvador’s Church Hall. The city still has a lively Northern Soul scene. 3. Rainbow knitting The first Dundee Pride event took place in 2018, and the city has an active and welcoming LGBTQIA+ community which celebrates gender diversity, and promotes equality, awareness and inclusion within Dundee and the surrounding area. The following textile-themed motifs represent people from a variety of nations who have made Dundee their home: 4. Ukraine This design is inspired by the embroidery on vintage ‘rushnyk’ cloths. These are traditionally used for ceremonial events in Ukraine. 5. Africa This motif is influenced by Adinkra symbols, such as the ‘kokuromotie’ symbol which represents harmony, co-operation, and teamwork. 6. China This design is based on the Lucky Clouds pattern which appeared on Beijing’s Olympic torch in 2008. It is stitched in red because that is a lucky colour in Chinese culture. 7. Poland This floral motif is based on Polish paper cut designs, a traditional form of folk art called ‘wycinanki’. 8. Italy This simple zig-zag design is inspired by ‘bargello’ – a type of needlepoint embroidery named after a palace in Florence. It is stitched in green – one of the colours on Italy’s national flag. 9. Other communities Dundee has also welcomed people from other cultures and countries across the globe, including Latvia, Syria and the Jewish community. 10. India / Pakistan Originating from Kashmir (now a disputed territory), the paisley motif traditionally featured on woven, and sometimes embroidered, shawls. 11. Ireland This motif is based on the trinity knot, a Celtic symbol of love. It has been stitched in white to echo the traditional colour scheme of Ireland’s Mountmellick Embroidery. Up Up This panel was stitched by Mairi Fraser Sheila G Gorrie Nicola Montague Judith Robertson

Producing The Dundee Tapestry has been an evolutionary process over a five-year period. After coming up with the idea in 2019, John Fyffe MBE organised an initial steering group which included Dr. Frances Stevenson, Alister Rutherford and Rhoda Miller, to plan how the project could be managed and delivered. The primary focus was always about engaging with the people of Dundee – in terms of volunteer stitchers and stories about the city. THE DUNDEE TAPESTRY Up Up Making The Dundee Tapestry Producing The Dundee Tapestry has been an evolutionary process over a five-year period. After coming up with the idea in 2019, John Fyffe MBE (Nine Incorporated Trades) organised an initial steering group which included Dr. Frances Stevenson (Textile Designer, DJCAD), Alister Rutherford (Embroiderer’s Guild) and Rhoda Miller (Local Historian), to plan how the project could be managed and delivered. The primary focus was always about engaging with the people of Dundee – in terms of volunteer stitchers, stories about the city and designing the content and illustrations. The steering group expanded as the project grew. Andrew Crummy MBE (Artist), the late Eddie Small (Writer and Historian), Lyndsey Currie (Textile Designer), Caitlyn Fyffe (Marketing and PR), Judy Robertson (Social Media) and Aileen Scoular (Website Copywriter and stitcher) all joined the team to provide various areas of expertise. Themes & Timeline Eight main themes were highlighted as a starting point to reflect key areas pertinent to Dundee: Communities Nature Industry Women Education Culture International Creative Each theme comprises a group of panels, building a picture of that topic through sub-themes and different perspectives. Currently, The Dundee Tapestry has 35 panels. But, importantly, the themed approach was adopted to allow The Dundee Tapestry to grow and expand because other themes, panels and extended timescales can be added in the future. A definitive timeline from the mid-19th Century to the present day provides the parameters within which The Dundee Tapestry is set. Owing to the amount of information involved, this was a necessary constraint due to funding. Designing the panels The Dundee Tapestry’s circular structure was selected by the design team to reflect the growth spiral structures of the eminent 19th century biologist Sir D’Arcy Wentworth Thompson who taught at the University of Dundee. The panel’s structural layouts were designed by Andrew Crummy to reflect Thompson’s work, using eight different templates, with variations of circles and spirals. The circular design also reflects and incorporates The Dundee Tapestry logo. Andrew invited Frances Stevenson to join him in designing some of the final panels. Researching content Pencil sketches onto fabric provided a ‘skeleton’ structure to enable the stitchers to begin, and to allow more content to be added to each panel as further research was carried out. Researching the content was an important, ongoing process which was carried out by stitchers themselves, alongside steering group members. Illustrations to reflect the research were added throughout the making of each panel. Finishing the panels Once stitched, The Dundee Tapestry panels were stretched by the Textile Design staff team at DJCAD, and backed by stitchers Margaret Craig, Sheila Mathieson and Sarah Houstoun. Writing content The Dundee Tapestry website provides content highlights and a concise synopsis for each panel. The text for this website was written by Aileen Scoular, and researched and proof-read by Judy Robertson and Rhoda Miller. Community involvement A key aim of The Dundee Tapestry was to include the community, both as volunteer stitchers and as people who could provide stories about the city. Workshops were organised at key stages to invite members of the public and community organisations to add a stich to the panels, and share their memories of growing up in the city. Communication Public talks were given by members of the steering group, while many stitchers were ‘out and about’ across their own communities to encourage people to add a stitch. Communication regarding all the activities has been recorded and shared through social media by Judy Robertson. Iona French (Graphic Designer) provided the logo – which was designed on the theme of ‘connections’ and people ‘getting together’ around a table – and Wendy Maltman from The Malting House created the website. Finally… The aim of The Dundee Tapestry was to visually narrate stories about the city of Dundee through textiles and stitch. The rich tapestry panels that have been made by over 140 stitchers are full of information and colour, and they reflect the many new friendships that have been forged throughout the making of the Tapestry, and the skills that have developed. We hope you enjoy looking at them. We have not included everything about Dundee in these 35 panels, and there are many more things we could have included. That’s for the future…! Up Up

Water, sun, soil and location are celebrated in this panel by looking at how local people are working with nature around the city to cultivate, grow and develop systems that nurture the whole community. At the centre of the panel sits Ninewells Hospital which was named after the natural water springs that once flowed through this part of Dundee. DUNDEE NATURE Up Up The Nine Wells Bringing people and nature together Water, sun, soil and location are celebrated in this panel by looking at how local people are working with nature around the city to cultivate, grow and develop systems that nurture the whole community. At the centre of the panel sits Ninewells Hospital which was named after the natural water springs that once flowed through this part of Dundee. 1. Ninewells Hospital When it opened in 1974, Ninewells Hospital was the first new teaching hospital to be built in the UK since Victorian times. Since then, thousands of healthcare practitioners have trained at Ninewells, and many groundbreaking treatments have been introduced – including keyhole surgery and robotic surgery. The hospital is set in beautiful grounds which contain the award-winning Maggie’s Centre, designed by Frank Gehry, and the Carseview Centre, providing mental health treatment and support. 2. Heron in flight Herons are regular visitors to the River Tay, the Dighty Burn and other water sources around the city, a positive sign that these waterways continue to support nature. 3. Victoria Gardens This urban community garden enables schoolchildren and volunteers from different cultures to grow food together. In 2023, Victoria Gardens received a Certificate of Recognition in the NatureScot It’s Your Neighbourhood ‘Pollinator Friendly Award’, and the garden is part of the Grow Dundee network. 4. Wildflowers Eden Project’s wildflower habitat project began in spring 2022 – sites included Seabraes, Dawson Park, Camperdown Park and Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc. Wildflower mini-meadows can also be enjoyed throughout Dundee every summer. 5. Lady Well The Lady Well originally stood at the corner of Hilltown and Ladywell Lane. It was an important source of water for Dundee residents and it remained in use until the construction of Victoria Road in 1872. 6. River Tay dolphins Bottlenose dolphins are often spotted in the River Tay. Good times to spot them are early evenings in summer, and when the tide is coming in because dolphins often follow shoals of fish upstream. 7. Ninewells Community Garden This popular community garden sits within the arboretum at Ninewells Hospital, near the Maggie’s Centre, and its mission is to provide an environment where gardening supports physical and mental wellbeing, therapy and rehabilitation. Garden highlights include wheelchair-accessible paths, flower borders, veg beds, a small orchard and a sensory garden, all managed by volunteers. 8. Soft fruits For many Dundonians – including youngsters – summer meant heading to the fields of nearby farms in Angus, Fife and Perthshire for berry-picking. Strawberries and raspberries are traditional soft fruit crops but, in recent years, local farmers have also been growing blackcurrants, blackberries and cherries. The ‘Tayberry’ – a raspberry/blackberry hybrid – was developed in Dundee, along with several raspberry and blackcurrant varieties. 9. Tay View Community Garden Another community garden in the Grow Dundee network – a group of gardens, orchards, foraging areas and allotments in and around Dundee. 10. Rock, sand, soil All life depends on soil, and this is just one of the topics of research at The James Hutton Institute which has a centre at Invergowrie, in Dundee. 11. Duntrune Community Garden With a series of colourful pocket gardens and a community growing space, Duntrune Community Garden is managed by SAMH, the Scottish Association for Mental Health. Regular workshops involve volunteers and participants of all ages. 12. The James Hutton Institute A globally recognised research organisation whose work looks at how science can help to drive more sustainable use of land, crops and natural resources and, ultimately, deliver better food and environmental security. 13. Dundee Therapy Garden Located at Dudhope Park, this special garden supports serving, ex-forces and ex-uniformed emergency personnel who are facing mental health challenges. Here, tailored therapies are provided in a calming green space environment. 14. Loch Tay Although it’s more than 60 miles (96km) from Dundee, this is where the River Tay begins. Loch Tay stretches for around 14 miles (23km) and it’s the sixth largest loch in Scotland. 15. Wellgate The Wellgate can be traced back to the early 15th century, and it formed a link between Murraygate and Hilltown. The suffix ‘gate’ comes from the Old Norse word ‘gata’, which means ‘road’ or ‘street’ and, in this case, Wellgate led to the Lady Well – an important source of water for the city. 16. Cultivated plants Plenty of keen home gardeners mean that Dundee’s residential gardens are also providing seasonal food and shelter for birds, insects and small mammals. 17. Carse of Gowrie Many years ago, the flat, fertile strip of land between Perth and Dundee was drained to create the rich, sheltered farmland that exists today. Historically, the soil has supported orchards, soft fruit and arable crops, like wheat, barley and potatoes. Up Up This panel was stitched by Amina Group Shanaz Ahmad Yasmin Ahmad Arati Ahmed June Anderson Hanifa Ahmed Kulsum Hussein Shazia Hussain Latifa Javeid Musarat Khan Angela Mehlert Asmau Mohammed Mabruka Mohamed Nasreen Mohammed Assma Rehan Nasreen Shabbir Shahnaz Ulhaque Khadija Yakub Mst Bakul Akter Maqsoodan Arshid Jean Davidson Zubeda Dawud Christine Don Sharman Frost

Singer-songwriter Michael Marra (1952-2012) was born in Lochee and his colourful song lyrics reflected the highs and lows of daily life in Dundee. He formed his first band, Hen’s Teeth, in 1971 and, later, he played in Skeets Boliver, alongside his brother Christopher. But he was best known as a solo artist. His first solo album was ‘The Midas Touch’, released in 1980, and on his final recording, ‘Houseroom’, he played alongside his children Alice and Matthew with their band, The Hazey Janes. DUNDEE CULTURE Up Up Michael Marra Remembering one of Dundee’s best-loved musicians Singer-songwriter Michael Marra (1952-2012) was born in Lochee and his colourful song lyrics reflected the highs and lows of daily life in Dundee. He formed his first band, Hen’s Teeth, in 1971 and, later, he played in Skeets Boliver, alongside his brother Christopher. But he was best known as a solo artist. His first solo album was ‘The Midas Touch’, released in 1980, and on his final recording, ‘Houseroom’, he played alongside his children Alice and Matthew with their band, The Hazey Janes. This panel celebrates Michael’s song lyrics, his sense of humour, his paintings, and some of the people he loved or admired. 1. If Dundee was Africa In Chris Rattray’s play, ‘The Mill Lavvies’, a character called Archie has heard about Africa but doesn’t know where or what it is. Michael Marra’s song, ‘If Dundee was Africa’, describes this mighty continent by comparing areas and landmarks in Dundee with Africa’s geography. This song appeared in the play, and it also inspired the layout of this panel. 2. Baffies & ironing board Michael used to support his keyboard on an ironing board at gigs when he didn’t have access to a piano, and he often performed in ‘baffies’ (slippers). 3. Fiddle tree bench Niel Gow’s Oak is located in Dunkeld, a Perthshire village on the River Tay, and it’s reputed to be where this much-loved fiddler (violin-player) composed his popular strathspeys and reels. Known locally as the ‘fiddle tree’, the bench below is dedicated to Niel Gow and bears a line from Michael Marra’s song, ‘Niel Gow’s Apprentice’ which reads: “I’ll sit beneath the fiddle tree, With the ghost of Niel Gow next to me.” 4.Tenement building A wee home from home for a man born in Dundee. 5. On Stolen Stationery Michael’s album, ‘On Stolen Stationery’, was released in 1991 and this image appeared on the cover – it portrays actor Clayton Moore, who played the Lone Ranger, and was illustrated by Michael himself. 6. Gaels Blue Michael’s album ‘Gaels Blue’ was released in 1992. 7. Frida Kahlo Michael Marra’s songs were mostly written from personal experience, but he was also inspired by stories people told him or things he read about. ‘Frida Kahlo’s Visit to the Taybridge Bar’ was a classic example where Michael imagined the artist’s ghost waiting in a popular Dundee pub until she could enter heaven. 8. Radio tower This radio mast represents a song called ‘Schenectady calling Peerie Willie Johnson’ – a reminder of how some Scottish folk musicians in the 1920s learned how to build radios, then managed to tune in to early jazz broadcasts beamed live the USA. 9. General Grant Michael wrote ‘General Grant’s Visit to Dundee’ to celebrate the former US President’s trip to the city in 1877. 10. Dog in shoes An Alsatia n wearing pointed shoes was a line from Michael’s song, ‘Baps & Paste’. 11. The Violin Lesson The Dundee Tapestry’s designer, Andrew Crummy MBE, grew up in Craigmillar, in Edinburgh – a disadvantaged area at that time. When Andrew’s brother was denied violin lessons at school, his mother, Helen Crummy MBE, set up the Craigmillar Festival Society to enable all local children to enjoy art, music and drama tuition. Michael Marra wrote a song about that experience called ‘The Violin Lesson’. 12. Flax plant Michael’s song, ‘The Lass Wi’ the Flax in her Hair’, mentions Balgay Hill and Magdalen Green. 13. Hamish McAlpine [goalkeeper] Michael Marra was a big football fan and he supported Dundee FC from childhood. But he put aside local rivalry to write a song about Dundee United FC’s legendary goalkeeper, Hamish McAlpine, for the keeper’s testimonial match against Tottenham Hotspur on 17 August 1983. 14. Baps and paste The song ‘Baps & Paste’ featured on Michael’s album, ‘High Sobriety’, which was recorded live at the Bonar Hall in Dundee, in 2000. 15. Gordon McLean Michael painted a portrait of Gordon McLean, the former director of the An Tobar arts centre in Mull and a close friend of Michael. In 2008, the painting was exhibited at a gallery in Kirriemuir, alongside other portraits by Michael of people he admired. 16. The Sidlaws ‘Big Wide World Beyond the Seedlies’ also appeared on Michael’s album, ‘High Sobriety’, and refers to the Sidlaw Hills behind Dundee. Up Up This panel was stitched by Meg Bartram Louise Laing Valeen Lyons Karolina Palugova Ann Ross Sheena Sigsworth

As Dundee’s linen industry grew, the proceeds were inextricably linked to the enslavement of people from Africa and the Indies. A coarse cloth called Osnaburg was bought in huge quantities by slave-owners in the West Indies and the US, and evidence shows that Frederick Douglass, a former slave turned abolitionist, was invited to speak in Dundee. This panel explores the links between Dundee, colonialisation, and the business of enslavement. INTERNATIONAL DUNDEE Up Up Osnaburg Linen Acknowledging Dundee’s links with enslavement and the Commonwealth As Dundee’s linen industry grew, the proceeds were inextricably linked to the enslavement of people from Africa and the Indies. A coarse cloth called Osnaburg was bought in huge quantities by slave-owners in the West Indies and the US, and evidence shows that Frederick Douglass, a former slave turned abolitionist, was invited to speak in Dundee. This panel explores the links between Dundee, colonialisation, and the business of enslavement, and how these links exist today through the city’s statues, buildings and street names. 1. Osnaburg Linen production Osnaburg was a coarse linen cloth, purchased by slave-owners in the West Indies and the USA to make clothes for enslaved people on their estates. William Baxter of Balgavies belonged to a family that had been connected with the weaver trade in Dundee from the beginning of the eighteenth century and, in 1836, Messrs W. Baxter & Sons became the first mill in Dundee to weave large quantities of linen by power loom, in a large new factory at the company’s Dens Road works. 2. Trading commodities Products that were imported into Dundee from the British Colonies included raw sugar from plantations in Jamaica, and dark rum from the newly formed colony of British Guyana, formalised in 1831. The Dundee Sugar House was located on the Seagate, where it operated from 1767 to 1841. 3. Joseph Knight Joseph Knight was taken to Jamaica from West Africa as a young teenager, where he was bought by a Scottish plantation-owner called John Wedderburn. Joseph was brought to Ballindean, near Dundee, in 1768 – one of the few Black people in Scotland at that time. Although he was well-fed, dressed and educated, he had no prospect of freedom or independence; he was also at risk of being sent back to Jamaica, where conditions were very dangerous. After a four-year legal battle, Joseph Knight’s final appeal for freedom was granted in 1778, at the Supreme Court in Edinburgh – a decision that also led to the abolition of personal slavery in Scotland. In 1807, the slave trade in British Colonies became illegal and British ships were no longer allowed to carry enslaved people, although it took until 1838 for all enslaved people in the colonies to be freed. 4. Jute harvesting Dundee’s jute industry was closely associated with colonialisation. From 1757, Britain’s control of India increased and from 1858 onwards, the British government directly ruled India. Jute was grown and harvested in India, by local people, then shipped to Dundee on behalf of the increasingly wealthy mill-owners. By the early 20th century, India had developed its own jute industry and production in Dundee tailed off. 5. Seal Wax seals were often used on documents relating to the purchase of enslaved people. 6. Wearing Osnaburg Linen The experience of wearing a coarse cloth like Osnaburg was extremely unpleasant. The prominent Black author Booker T. Washington, who was born into slavery in 1856, compared it to, “A hundred pinpoints in contact with the flesh”. 7. Frederick Douglass Frederick Douglass (1818-1895) was one of the former enslaved people invited to speak in Dundee. Having escaped slavery in the USA in his early 20s, Frederick became a well-known orator and social reformer and he spoke at several venues in Dundee in 1846 and 1860, including hotels and churches. 8. Enslavement ships British ships that are known to have transported enslaved people include ‘Dolphin’, ‘Minerva’ and ‘Mercury’. 9. Dundee’s leading abolitionists Despite the efforts of local abolitionists, the first Anti-Slavery Society was only formed in Dundee in 1832 – a year before the enslavement trade was finally abolished. The Reverend George Gilfillan, and his wife Margaret, were Dundee’s most active abolitionists. Rev Gilfillan invited many formerly enslaved people to speak in Dundee, while his wife Margaret was President of the Dundee Ladies’ Anti-Slavery Association, a popular organisation in the 1850s. Lasting reminders The panel also contains Dundee street names associated with global trading at this time; the names of local mills which were producing linen; and two quotes stitched around the edge: “Where is there a shred of ground to believe that ever a Scotsman considered himself as the property as chattell as the slave of his brother” Joseph Knight “Slavery is the common enemy of mankind” Frederick Douglass Up Up This panel was stitched by June Anderson Janie Brooks Ishbel Duncan Mairi Fraser Polly Golliher Gillian Leiper Jenni Liandu Maliwa Liandu Womba Liandu Abigail Ocansey Morag McQueen Yingying (Leona) Ren

When Dundonians are not working, dancing or listening to music, their focus shifts to sport. The city’s two football teams – Dundee in blue and white, and Dundee United in tangerine and black – have both tasted domestic success, and their home-grounds are a stone’s throw from each other. This panel highlights popular local sports, like boxing, golf and ice hockey, and some of the talented people who have excelled in them. DUNDEE CULTURE Up Up Sporting Dundee Aiming high in the world of sport When Dundonians are not working, dancing or listening to music, their focus shifts to sport. The city’s two football teams – Dundee in blue and white, and Dundee United in tangerine and black – have both tasted domestic success, and their home-grounds are a stone’s throw from each other. This panel highlights popular local sports, like boxing, golf and ice hockey, and some of the talented people who have excelled in them. 1. Marshall Key Born in Dundee in 1932, Marshall Key made his debut for the senior Dundee Tigers, aged just 16, during the 1948-49 season. He later played in Paisley, Harringay and Edinburgh, and as player-coach for Swiss team Crans-sur-Sierre – it was in Switzerland that he would find himself giving skating lessons to actor Charlie Chaplin’s son, Michael. 2. Bowling In September 1892, 122 clubs formed the Scottish Bowling Association. Dundee still has many outdoor bowling clubs, some of which date back to the mid-1800s. 3. David Leslie Born in Dundee in 1952, David Leslie is a former international rugby union player who represented Scotland 32 times between 1975 and 1985. He also trained as an architect, graduating with first-class honours from DJCAD. 4. Willie Smith Champion golfer Willie Smith (1876-1916) was born in Dundee and initially played at Carnoustie. He and his brothers emigrated to the US, where he turned pro in 1894 and won the US Open five years later, winning by a margin of eleven shots. This record remained in place until 2000 when it was broken by Tiger Woods. 5. Shirley Robertson OBE Born in Dundee in 1968, champion sailor Shirley first sailed as a child, in a homemade dinghy. She went on to make history as the first British woman to win Olympic Gold medals at two consecutive Olympic Games, in 2000 (Sydney) and 2004 (Athens). 6. Jenny Wood Allen Jenny Wood Allen (1911-2010) became the world’s oldest female marathon runner in 2002, when she ran the London marathon aged 90. She had previously been the unofficial Scottish women’s cycling champion, ran her first marathon aged 73, and completed over 50 marathons in her lifetime. 7. Neil Paterson The multi-talented Neil Paterson (1915-1995) captained Dundee United FC in the 1936-37 season, as an amateur player, and went on to win the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, for ‘Room at the Top’ in 1959. 8. Dick McTaggart MBE One of five boxing brothers from Dundee, Dick McTaggart competed for the Lightweight title in the 1956 and 1960 Olympics, winning Gold and Bronze medals respectively. More recent success in the same sport was achieved by Dundee’s Sam Hickey who won Gold in the Middleweight event at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. 9. Tennis Dundee has three LTA-affiliated tennis clubs – Broughty Ferry TC, Forthill Community TC and West End LTC – and eight park-based courts. 10. Natasha McKay Born in Dundee in 1995, Natasha is a six-time British Figure Skating Champion, and she also competed with Team GB at the Beijing Olympics in 2022. Natasha announced her retirement from competitive skating in May 2023, to focus on coaching in her home city. 11. Snooker Dundee’s longest-established snooker hall is Tivoli Snooker Club on Bonnybank Road. It is often used as a venue for Scottish Snooker’s national tournaments. 12. Dundee FC & Dundee United FC Located just 200 yards (183 metres) from each other, Dens Park (Dundee FC) and Tannadice (Dundee Utd FC) are the two closest senior football clubs in the UK. Both clubs have tasted domestic success, and many heroes have emerged – these include former player and longest-serving manager Jim McLean, goalkeeper Hamish McAlpine and Maurice Malpas for Dundee United; and, for Dundee FC, players Billy Steel and Bobby Cox, and manager Bob Shankly who led the club to its one and only League Championship win in 1962. Up Up This panel was stitched by Lesley Arthur Alison French Sheila G Gorrie Amanda Hastings Eleanor Mitchell Mariachiara Tiboni Anna Rooney Kirsten Mae Wallace

The four Dundee women on this panel helped to improve people’s lives in diverse ways  – from healthcare, housing and access to green space, to education and working rights. DUNDEE WOMEN Up Up The Four Marys Women who made a difference The four Dundee women on this panel helped to improve people’s lives in diverse ways – from healthcare, housing and access to green space, to education and working rights. 1. Mary Ann Baxter Philanthropist Mary Ann Baxter (1801-1884) lived and died in Ferry Road, Dundee, and she made it her mission to improve life for Dundee people in quite different ways. Her father was William Baxter, a flax and jute baron who owned Lower Dens Works, and Mary Ann benefited from the family’s fortune. She and her siblings donated Baxter Park to the city in 1863, and she also gave money to several local charities, including the Congregational Mission in Hilltown, the YMCA and the Sailors’ Hall. But perhaps her greatest achievement was the generous funding of what is now the University of Dundee. The university opened in 1883, providing ‘the education for persons of both sexes and the study of science, literature and fine arts’. 2. Mary Slessor Mary Slessor (1848-1915) was born into a poor family in Aberdeen and arrived in Dundee when she was a child. After becoming a skilled jute worker at Baxter’s and attending the old Wishart Church regularly, Mary volunteered to work at the United Presbytery Mission in Calabar, Nigeria and sailed there in 1876. By tending the sick, setting up mission hospitals, fighting for women’s rights and reforming local belief in superstition and human sacrifice, Mary made a huge difference in the communities she served. Unusually, she made the decision to work deep inside the jungle, became fluent in the Efik language and earned the respect of a local chieftain. Recurring illnesses took their toll and Mary died of a fever in 1915, aged just 67. 3. Mary Brooksbank Another mill-worker, Mary Brooksbank (1897-1978) is remembered today as a socialist songwriter and a prominent member of Dundee’s labour movement. She began working when she was just 12, and marched for a pay rise at the age of 14. At 21, Mary decided to join the Communist Party to fight for women’s rights and contribute to the demise of capitalism. Her objective was always to improve workers’ right and she raised awareness of their plight through her contributions to politics, literature and folk music. Indeed, she is celebrated in Dundee as a poet and musican, and many of her songs are still sung – including the most famous: ‘Oh Dear Me (The Jute Mill Song)’ about the life of a young female jute worker. 4. Mary Lily Walker After her mother’s death in 1883, Mary Lily Walker (1863-1913) became one of the University of Dundee’s first female students, studying Latin, Maths, Biology and Chemistry. However, she could not ignore the shocking living conditions around her and when a group of university professors founded the Dundee Social Union, Mary became an early member. Thereafter, she campaigned hard for social change in health and housing, and fought to improve the life chances of women and children in Dundee. A new Women’s Hospital, baby clinics and health visitors, school dinners, children’s convalescent holidays and clubs for all age groups were just some of her achievements. Mary’s memory lives on in the Lily Walker Centre, a 24-hour centre which supports people in Dundee who become homeless. Up Up This panel was stitched by Avis Moore Susan Fraser Yvonne Tweedie

The Dundee Tapestry is a collaborative project which has brought together members of the Dundee community through stitching groups, social networks and in-person events. The result is a fascinating and captivating image of Dundee on 35 beautifully hand-stitched panels. As Dundee looks forward, the Dundee Tapestry reveals the city’s past, present and future through eight illustrative themes. Themes explore the city’s industrial heritage, its creative achievements, its biodiversity and its people. Up Up Introduction The Dundee Tapestry at V&A Dundee The Dundee Tapestry will be on display at V&A Dundee until Sunday 6th April 2025. Come along to see a unique, handcrafted collection of tapestries depicting Dun dee’s past, present, and future, where you can explore the city’s industrial heritage, creative achievements, biodiversity, and people. The Dundee Tapestry As Dundee looks forward, the Dundee Tapestry reveals the city’s past, present and future through eight illustrative themes. From the mid 19th century to where we are now, these themes explore the city’s industrial heritage, its creative achievements, its biodiversity and its people. The Dundee Tapestry is a collaborative project which has brought together members of the Dundee community through stitching groups, social networks and in-person events. The result is a fascinating and captivating image of Dundee on 35 beautifully hand-stitched panels. The project was conceived and developed by John Fyffe MBE of the Weaver Incorporation of Dundee, one of the city’s Nine Incorporated Trades, and Dr Frances Stevenson, senior lecturer at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design. The panels were co-designed by Dr Stevenson and Andrew Crummy MBE, the artist behind the Great Tapestry of Scotland. A stitching team of over 140 volunteer stitchers from Dundee and the surrounding area have been working on the panels since the spring of 2022, and many are practising these skills for the first time. Together, they are collaborating to tell Dundee’s unique story, stitch by stitch. Up Up This panel was stitched by Sandra Allstaff Cath Gardiner Joanna Watson

Many exciting scientific events began in Dundee – from the pioneering Antarctic expeditions of the Royal Research Ship, ‘RRS Discovery’, to the writings of zoologist and university professor Sir D’Arcy Wentworth Thompson. This panel also celebrates important scientific discoveries by people with close links to Dundee. DUNDEE INDUSTRY Up Up Scientific Research Exploring the world in the name of science Many exciting scientific events began in Dundee – from the pioneering Antarctic expeditions of the Royal Research Ship, ‘RRS Discovery’, to the writings of zoologist and university professor Sir D’Arcy Wentworth Thompson. This panel also celebrates important scientific discoveries by people with close links to Dundee. 1. Sir D’Arcy Wentworth Thompson This renowned Scottish zoologist became Professor of Biology at the University of Dundee in 1884, aged just 24. In 1917, when he was working at the University of St Andrews, he wrote an influential book called ‘ On Growth And Form’ which described the diverse patterns that occur in nature. These patterns include snowflakes, honeycomb, and the beautiful snail shells and ammonites depicted on this panel. 2. Williamina Fleming Born in Dundee in 1857, Williamina emigrated to the USA in 1878. She became an astronomer almost by accident, when she was employed at the Harvard College Observatory as an analyst. Williamina measured and recorded the spectral images emitted by stars, via photographic plates, and she gained widespread recognition for her work. She became the leading female astronomer of her day, and was awarded honorary membership of the Royal Astronomical Society of London in 1906. 3. Professor Margaret Fairlie Margaret studied medicine at the University of St Andrews and University College, Dundee, where she graduated during the First World War. After further training in Manchester, she returned to Dundee in 1919 to work in gynaecology and obstetrics. Following a 1926 visit to the Marie Curie Foundation in Paris, Margaret pioneered the use of radium as a cancer treatment in Scotland. She became Scotland’s first female professor in 1940. 4. Peter Carmichael Carmichael invented textile machinery that boosted productivity in Dundee’s linen (flax) industry. 5. RRS ‘ Discovery’ RRS ‘ Discovery’ was the first vessel to be built purely for scientific research, and Dundee’s shipyard was chosen because its builders knew how to construct strong whaling ships that could travel through Arctic pack ice. ‘Discovery’s’ first voyage was to Antarctica from 1901 to 1904. Led by young Captain Robert Falcon Scott RN, the results were groundbreaking: more than five hundred new kinds of marine creatures were discovered and the expedition was the first to sight an Emperor Penguin rookery. ‘Discovery’s’ final voyage as a royal research ship ended in 1931. She served as a Royal Navy training ship in London from 1931 until 1979, and she came home to Dundee in 1986. 6. Discovery Point Discovery Point is a popular attraction near the River Tay, where visitors can find out about RRS ‘Discovery’s’ various expeditions. 7. Thomas MacLagan MacLagan researched the effects of salicin in treating rheumatic fever, which contributed to the development of aspirin. 8. Sir James W Black Serving as Chancellor of the University of Dundee from 1992 to 2006, Sir James was also an eminent pharmacologist who helped to develop two important beta-blocking drugs. These eased the pain of angina (chest pain) and, later, the same approach revolutionised the treatment of stomach ulcers. Sir James was jointly awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1988. 9. British Oceanographic Expedition (1925-1927) ‘Discovery’ was designated a Royal Research Ship (RRS) in 1925 when she embarked on the British Oceanographic Expedition to Antarctic waters. The aim of the expedition was to research whale stocks and the migration pattern of whales, and the results were the first step in regulation of the whaling industry. 10. B.A.N.Z.A.R Expedition (1929-1931) RRS ‘Discovery’s’ final voyage to the southern hemisphere was the British, Australian and New Zealand Antarctic Research Expedition (B.A.N.Z.A.R) in 1929. Many new lands were discovered and charted, and a mass of geological and zoological samples was collected on behalf of the British Government. 11. Dundee Island Located on the Antarctic Peninsula, Dundee Island was named after the captain of a 19th century whaling expedition who came from the city. 12. Shipping compass Up Up This panel was stitched by Sandra Allstaff Cath Gardiner

Dundee is better connected than most, serving as a gateway to many other parts of Scotland. Within the city itself, generations of communities have stayed connected to each other in different ways: by road, rail and water; by the places where people regularly meet; and by long-standing customs and traditions. DUNDEE COMMUNITIES Up Up Connecting Communities Transport and traditions that keep communities connected Dundee is better connected than most, serving as a gateway to many other parts of Scotland. Within the city itself, generations of communities have stayed connected to each other in different ways: by road, rail and water; by the places where people regularly meet; and by long-standing customs and traditions. 1. The Dressed Herring When ‘first-footing’ at Hogmanay, 19th century Dundonians brought a good luck herring ‘dressed’ in a fancy outfit and bonnet, usually made from brightly-coloured paper. 2. Finlathen Viaduct Built between 1845 and 1848, this 152m-long structure (now Category ‘B’-listed) carried a water pipeline from Monikie Reservoir to Stobsmuir Water Works in Dundee. 3. The ‘Washie’ When visiting public wash-houses, the women of Dundee often transported their washing in a baby’s pram. 4. Tay Rail Bridge disaster When completed in February 1878, the original Tay Rail Bridge was the world’s longest bridge, with 85 spans and 13 high girders in the centre. When these high girders collapsed in gale-force winds on 28 December 1879, six carriages fell into the water and more than 70 lives were lost. The wrought iron girders which remained standing were transferred onto the present bridge where they are still in use. Today, a memorial can be seen on the Riverside embankment, alongside William McGonagall’s 1880 poem ’ The Tay Bridge Disaster’. 5. Champion the Wonder Horse Remembered by generations who visited the City Arcade in Shore Terrace before its closure in 1981. 6. Mill Lorry Bales of raw jute were transported, by lorry, from the port of Dundee to the city’s mills. 7. Dundee to Newtyle railway In operation from 1831 to 1863, this 11-mile long railway line was built to bring produce from local farms in the Vale of Strathmore to the mills and docks in Dundee. The hills in between (the Sidlaws) were dealt with by using stationary steam-powered engines to pull the coaches uphill by rope. Part of the disused railway line now forms a nature reserve called ‘The Miley’. 8 & 9. Ice cream treats Knickerbocker glories and ice cream wafers were popular treats at Dundee’s Italian cafés and ice-cream shops. 10. H Samuel clock at Duffer’s Corner The meeting place for generations of friends and lovers in Dundee. 11. Bluebird In the 1960s, an outing on a ‘Bluebird Bus’ to Angus, Fife and beyond, was an exciting adventure. 12. The Fifies Once the only way of crossing the River Tay, steam-powered ‘Fifies’ would carry passengers between Dundee, Broughty Ferry and Fife, six days a week and up to 11 crossings a day. The first regular scheduled vessel was ‘ Union’ in 1821, and the last of the Tay Ferries was ‘Scotscraig’. Her final crossing took place on 18 August 1966 – the same day the Tay Road Bridge opened. 13. Dundee Corporation Bus The first corporation ‘omnibuses’ ran from Dundee High Street to Broughty Ferry in 1920, with tickets for the whole journey costing 4d. The original city centre bus station was on Shore Terrace, near Caird Hall, but the bus stances were closed in March 1973 when go-ahead was given for the construction of Tayside House. 14. Dundee Trams The first horse-drawn tram in Dundee appeared in 1877, followed by steam-powered versions ten years later. The final tram ran between Maryfield and Lochee in October 1956. 15. RNLI, Broughty Ferry The RNLI station at Broughty Ferry was the first inshore station in Scotland, and its first lifeboat was placed here in 1859. Seven medals have been awarded to RNLI crew stationed here over the last two centuries, and the lifeboat station remains an important part of this coastal community. Today, two boats are in operation: the “Elizabeth of Glamis’ and ‘Oor Lifesaver’. 16. Fluke fish Nethergait used to be called ‘Flukergait’ after the flounders that were caught in the Tay. 17. Maryfield Tram Depot Proposed as the Dundee Museum of Transport’s new home, the red-bricked tramshed was built in 1901 and extended in 1920 to its current length of 120m. In service, this Category B-listed building could house up to 70 double-decker trams and when buses took over from trams, it served as a bus depot until the 1970s. 18. The Tay Road and Rail Bridges Dundee is synonymous with the River Tay, and is approached by two bridges that connect the city with the Kingdom of Fife. The Tay Road Bridge measures 2.25km long and was built between 1963 and 1966. The ‘new’ Tay Rail Bridge was completed in 1887. Up Up This panel was stitched by June Anderson Aileen Scoular