New exhibition capturing the story of Harris Tweed's Hebridean home is launched

From the land, comes the cloth.

Harris Tweed, the unique fabric so desired by international fashion houses and designers that makes them among the world’s favourite cloth, continues to be celebrated in today's fast-moving and challenging global fashion industry.   The luxury cloth is handwoven by islanders of Lewis, Harris, Uist and Barra from pure virgin wool that has been dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland.

Ancient Lands, Isle of Harris

And now the stunning landscape, colour and light, dramatic weather and scenery of the Harris Tweed brand's Hebridean home are captured by a world-renowned photographer in a new exhibition which was launched on 12th February and will run until 15th May.

Arrival of Spring, Ardhasaig, Isle of Harris

The exhibition is called "Harris Tweed: From the Land"; the result of a collaboration between British photographer Ian Lawson and the Harris Tweed Authority – guardians of the iconic Harris Tweed Orb Mark.

A decade in the making, the exhibition is officially opened by Patrick Grant, creative director of London Savile Row’s Norton and Sons and a judge on the Great British Sewing Bee,  at The Gallery, Rheged Centre, in Penrith, the gateway to the Lake District in Cumbria, England – a great setting for this exhibition.

Forever Young, Eriskay Pony, Luskentyre, Harris

The extraordinary pictures will take each visitor on a journey into the very heart of the Scottish Outer Hebrides, the remote and romantic home of the world-famous Harris Tweed.

This stunning exploration of the fabric’s journey from the islands to international stardom is set within the context of Photographer Ian Lawson’s deeply personal narrative. Ian expertly charts the people and the places that are instrumental in the creation of this sought-after fabric.

Morag Morrison, Shepherdess, Lickisto, Harris

The photographer said: “The people and islands of the Scottish Outer Hebrides share a long and rich heritage, steeped in tradition. I have discovered so many stories and characters in this beautiful part of the world, as I have come to know the men and women who weave and produce the world famous Harris Tweed cloth.

“Harris Tweed: From the Land offers an insight into this stunning part of the world and the people which bring it to life.”

The exhibition will be officially opened by Patrick Grant, creative director of Savile Row’s Norton and Sons and a judge on the Great British Sewing Bee, on Thursday 11 February 2016 to invited guests at The Gallery, Rheged Centre, Penrith in the Lake District.

Featuring a working loom as a centrepiece, the pictures depict many characters from the islands, along with the making of this enviable cloth as well as the beautiful landscape that influences the production of the fabric.

Also on show will be a collection of beautiful Harris Tweed products and objects sourced from the weavers and designers Ian has met along his journey as well as a film.

All photos by Ian Lawson, supplied by Harris Tweed Authority.