Daisy Williamson - Weaver in Portobello

Wool brought from home

Portobello Residency May 2026

In May I was welcomed to Claudia and Nick’s beautiful Portobello home to reside as an artist whilst they were away on their own art related travels. I brought a separate suitcase devoted entirely to a rainbow selection of wool and a portable frame loom.

The days in their beachfront home were divided up between early morning runs, art making, gardening, charity shopping, walking along the beach, visiting galleries and cooking and enjoying meals. What I was hoping to do with my time was to continue to explore ideas for potential large rug weaving back in my Huntly studio, so I made a couple of small sample weavings. The first one I wove in Claudia’s studio, Oranges…Another completed at home, Greens…

I moved my supplies into the lovely bright front room and worked at the table by the window. By definition tapestry weaving uses plain weave with discontinuous weft threads covering a tightened warp. I played with that definition to make something off of the loom that still withheld some of those criteria. I began knotting on a single warp thread with discontinuous wool wefts, knot upon knot upon knot. The act of allowing something to grow at its own will and direction outwith my control was very satisfying. I have done similar things before but it was a process that this particular room welcomed, a quiet space to make repetitive work, allowing the mind to drift and the work to grow naturally.

The time spent away from my usual environment was magical and creatively charged. Claudia and Nick’s home is comfortable, beautifully situated by the sea and in a friendly community and that is a very easy bus journey away from the city centre. It's a perfect blend of nature and culture and a really great opportunity to briefly live like a Porty local.