A Scotland-wide exhibition celebrating the versatility of wool and the creativity of Scottish feltmakers is coming to West Kilbride this October.
“The Art and Craft of Wool” will be staged at The Barony Centre from Saturday, October 3 until Saturday, October 31, as part of Wool Month 2026.
The exhibition has been organised by Ayrshire-based felt artists Jeni and Natalia on behalf of the International Feltmakers Association.
The pair prefer to use locally produced wool in their work, sourcing much of their material directly from farms across Ayrshire and other parts of Scotland.
They hope the exhibition will raise awareness of feltmaking as an art and craft while encouraging people to recognise the creative, cultural and environmental value of Scottish wool.
Jeni and Natalia said: “Scotland has many talented felt artists and community feltmaking groups.
“We aim to raise awareness and promote wool as a medium for art and craft.
“Wool is an undervalued resource, and we feel it is important for Scotland to make greater use of Scottish wool.”
The month-long exhibition will feature an extensive range of work created by feltmakers from across Scotland.
Pieces on display will demonstrate the remarkable versatility of wool, with artwork including sculptures, wall hangings, embroidered designs, clothing, bags and decorative creations.
Visitors will also have an opportunity to purchase selected work, explore a special Scottish wool showcase and take part in £5 “Pop-in and Play” creative sessions.
Feltmaking is an ancient textile process in which wool fibres are bonded together using moisture, heat, pressure or specialist needles. Modern felt artists use these traditional techniques to produce everything from practical clothing and accessories to detailed sculptures and contemporary artwork.
The exhibition will also draw attention to Scottish wool as a natural and renewable material at a time when many farmers receive very little financial return for the fleeces produced by their sheep.
Jeni and Natalia are members of the International Feltmakers Association, a worldwide organisation that supports feltmakers and promotes the development and appreciation of the craft.
“The Art and Craft of Wool: A Celebration of Scottish Feltmaking” will run at The Barony Centre, Main Street, West Kilbride, KA23 9AW, from October 3 to 31.
The exhibition will be open from 10am until 4pm, Monday to Saturday.
Further information is available by emailing fleecework@gmail.com or visiting @fleecework on Instagram.