Fair Isle Chairs on display in Da Gadderie

An exciting new exhibition of Fair Isle Chairs by local carpenter Eve Eunson is on display in Da Gadderie in Lerwick. In collaboration with the Shetland Museum and Archives, this exhibition gives an insight into the history, traditional craft and distinctive qualities of Fair Isle chairs.

The exhibition features three of Eve’s new handcrafted pieces as well as historic chairs from the Shetland Museum and Archives collection which, along with items on loan and their incredible stories, make this exhibition truly unique.

Eve was born and raised on her family’s croft in Fair Isle. In 2018, during a period of self-imposed “retirement”, she came up with the idea to survey the traditional chairs of her native isle. Following in her great grandfather’s footsteps she then learned the wood and straw working skills to recreate them.

Eve said: “I wanted to track down and survey all the chairs that I could find, and then make an example of each type. I had no previous woodworking experience, little knowledge of vernacular furniture and hadn’t performed any research since leaving university in 2007. What I did have were survey and drawing skills, and a deep love for the heritage of the island that I am from.”

“Two years, hundreds of miles, 70+ surveys, 200+ drawings, thousands of photos and three furniture workshops later – and the project is now complete.”

Dr. Ian Tait, Curator of Shetland Museum and Archives said, “We are delighted to be able to open Da Gadderie doors again and showcase the fantastic work of a local worker in wood and straw that is keeping a traditional craft alive.

“Usually we hold exhibitions for artists from the creative community, travelling exhibitions and galleries or displays from our own collection. What makes this particular exhibition different is its collaborative approach. We have worked closely with Eve, included pieces from our own collection as well as being involved in the installation, graphic design and overall look of the finished display."

The Shetland Amenity Trust provided a grant of £2,173.10 to help fund Eve’s research and training costs as well as pay for the materials required to handcraft three Fair Isle Chairs.

Mat Roberts, Chief Executive of the Shetland Amenity Trust said: “We felt this is was an important project for the Trust to support. There’s a strong legacy element and it’s fantastic to see the continuation of this traditional craft into the next generation.”

This exhibition is running from now until the end of May 2021.

Please check our current opening times before you plan your visit and remember booking is required.


Bairns Activity Sheets - An exciting range of children’s activities associated with this exhibition are available to download now, including designing your own chair.

Related Posts

Research project commissioned to encourage locals to grow more aets!

Shetland Amenity Trust has commissioned a research project with two local straw makers to understand more about the growing of ...

Read more

‘Logical Confusion’, a retrospective exhibition of Mike McDonnell opens at the Shetland Museum

An ambitious new exhibition dedicated to the artistry of well-known local artist Mike McDonnell opened this weekend at the Shetland ...

Read more

New poetry book - ‘Love in Human Herts’

‘Love in Human Herts’, a new publication celebrating Vagaland’s finest poetry has been launched today by the Shetland Amenity ...

Read more

The funny story behind some of Lerwick's street names

In the 1880s Lerwick was changing rapidly. As the great herring fishery of that era developed, there were new streets, and potential ...

Read more

Film celebrating the achievements of Johnnie Notions launched by Shetland Museum and Archives

A new film which brings to life the incredible story of 18th century inoculation pioneer and Shetland crofter Johnnie Notions has been ...

Read more

Keep a look out for Skeklers this Halloween

We had a great time at our recent Skeklers Hat workshop with local artist Eve Eunson in preparation for Halloween.

Read more

Pre-school Activity Mornings

Bring your little explorers to the Shetland Museum & Archives for our heritage-filled fun sessions, designed especially for under 5's ...

Read more

National Poetry Day

To celebrate National Poetry Day we asked assistant archivist (and poet) Mark Smith to uncover a hidden gem from the archives. This ...

Read more

October Holiday Workshops

Join us this October Holidays for heritage inspired workshops and some spooky Halloween fun! From witchcraft to skeklers and faas ...

Read more

Treasure Trove Comes to Shetland

Members of the public are invited to come along with their ‘treasures’ and meet experts from Scotland’s Treasure Trove Unit ...

Read more

Bold exhibition featuring photography by legendary Diane Arbus opens at Shetland Museum and Archives

A new display of powerful and iconic photographs by Diane Arbus, one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century, opened ...

Read more

Shetland Museum and Archives Launches New Online Archive Catalogue

A new online Archives catalogue has been launched today (Tuesday 8 August) at the Shetland Museum and Archives.

Read more

CLOSED: Friday 12 noon - Sunday 12 noon

Shetland Museum and Archives will be closed from 12 noon on Friday 21 July until 12 noon on Sunday 23 July, due to a private ...

Read more

A celebration of Shetland’s maritime heritage at the museum

Shetland’s maritime heritage will be at the heart of Shetland Museum and Archives’ summer programme, with a series of themed ...

Read more

Preparing for the herring – photos from the archives

George Gen and Sarah Mackintosh, members of our Visitor Experience team have pulled together a selection of photos from our online ...

Read more