SEASONAL EXHIBITIONS
The seasonal exhibitions are displayed in exhibition room two alongside the growing, permanent Lairds of Whalsay exhibition (see our Lairds page). Our 2025/2026 seasonal exhibitions included an interesting display of Fishermen's Ganseys and replica knitted garments from Valda Grieve's knitting pattern notebook.
The three exhibitions of 2024, were 'Toevicoddy' that explored the final stage in the production of woven cloth produced long ago for payment of rent. By suspending the cloth in sea water in a Toevicoddy the gentle motion of the water gave the fabric a firmer but softer finish. Alongside a Valda Grieve's display with replica garments from Valda's knitting pattern notebook, and our always popular 'colour challenge' craft display with inspiration taken from Francis Tulloch's striking photo of Blue Ridge Passway, Virginia.
Our seasonal exhibitions from 2022 and 2023 consisted of three displays. Firstly we had the beautiful exhibition of traditional and contemporary lace knitting. The second display was a celebration of the Queen's platinum jubilee, with royal memorabilia showing some of Whalsay's royal connections. The third display highlighted and honoured the history of Whalsay healthcare.
Our successful exhibition "Fair Isle Knitting through the Decades" in 2019, told the story of how fair isle knitting, or makkin, has survived and evolved through phases of popularity and decline. The accompanying book and small items of fair isle knitwear can be purchased in the centre; see knitwear examples on our {merchandise page}.
Other exhibitions have focused on Whalsay Weddings; life in Whalsay during the 1950s and 1960s; life in Whalsay 100 years ago; and World War I.
Our WWI project entitled "How WWI Affected a Small Island Community" was put together by a group of Shetland College students with the help of Heritage Centre volunteers. The project was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund in 2014 to commemorate the anniversary of the beginning of the war. It was on display until 2018 during the armistice centenary.
There is a wealth of information about our previous exhibitions still available to view in the centre, if you have any further questions please get in touch.
