I had the honour of researching, writing, and designing signboards for the internationally touring Vararfeldr exhibition, which features handwoven reconstructions of Viking-era trade cloaks based on archaeological fragments.

Drawing on my academic background in Old Norse Literature, I researched archaeological records, historical law tracts, Viking-era sagas and poems, and a litany of previous works on Viking-era weaving and textile trading.

I brought the resulting information together into eye-catching yet visually contained signboards, which let the beautiful handwoven artworks speak for themselves, while adding all-important context.

I also wrote a collection of short stories for the exhibition, which are displayed alongside the cloaks, offering a glimpse into the lives of the people who wore, wove and traded these iconic garments. These were meticulously researched to ensure that all details are historically and geographically accurate, firmly rooting each recreation in a sense of time and place.

The exhibition launch in Killin, Perthshire was attended by textile artists, academics, heritage enthusiasts and Killin locals, and featured live harp music. The exhibition will go on to tour in Scotland, England, the Isle of Man, and Norway.