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Arts & Crafts

Shetland’s many artists and craftspeople draw their inspiration partly from centuries of tradition and partly from the islands’ rich environment.  However, their work is also constantly evolving as they share ideas and absorb new influences.  The Shetland arts and crafts community is a diverse and dynamic one.  Although, for convenience, we describe the arts and crafts scenes separately, the reality is that artists and craftspeople work together and inspire one another

The Arts in Shetland

Shetland appeals strongly to people working with paint, words, music or in any other medium.  It’s an increasingly popular place for artists to live and many practise in the islands.  For the visitor, it’s not hard to track down excellent work.

Those working in the visual arts embrace a wide range of styles and techniques, from the beautifully detailed work of Brian Henderson to remarkable seascapes by Ruth Brownlee or the abstracts of Paul Bloomer.  There is sculpture and photography, too.  For a much fuller impression of the variety and depth of talent in the islands, an excellent starting point is the website run by a group of artists known as Veer North.  In Shetland, the main galleries are Da Gadderie at the Shetland Museum and Archives, Vaila Fine Art in Lerwick and the Bonhoga Gallery in Weisdale.

Writers and poets also find Shetland stimulating.  Local writers, for example John Graham (1921-2008) and Rhoda Bulter (1929-1994) have written in Shetland dialect, thereby helping in its renaissance.  Today, poet, author  and playwright Raman Mundair also writes in Shetland dialect, but she also works in English, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu.  Despite the islands’ low crime rate, crime author Ann Cleeves has set four novels in Shetland and Ian Rankin’s Inspector Rebus has also passed through.  Earlier, Sir Walter Scott set ‘The Pirate’ here and Robert Louis Stevenson, after visiting Unst in 1869, based his treasure island roughly on its outline.

Music is a major feature of Shetland life.  The fiddle tradition is strong and many young people learn the instrument.  It’s naturally part of the line-up in many local bands and Aly Bain’s exquisite playing has become world-famous.  However, Shetland has produced many other renowned musicians.  ‘Peerie’ Willie Johnson (1920-2007: ‘peerie’ means small), who specialised in folk and jazz guitar accompaniment, was hugely influential; leading British guitarist, Martin Taylor said that ‘every atom in his body was music’.  Neil Georgeson is a classical concert pianist, performing throughout Britain and abroad.  Every musical genre has a following in the islands and there is a Folk Festival in Spring; an alternative/metal festival (Vunk Fest) and a Blues Festival in Summer; and an Accordion and Fiddle Festival in Autumn.

Creative Crafts

Most people associate Shetland with knitwear and the islands’ heritage is both unique and greatly valued.  To find Shetland knitwear that was actually made in Shetland, or from wool grown in Shetland, you usually need to contact a supplier in Shetland, track down specialist shops or websites or, best of all, visit Shetland and see it for yourself.  Our page on knitwear has more information, including shopping advice.

There’s a huge range of other craft work to choose from.  Some Shetland knitwear goes to make delightfully huggable bears.  Not surprisingly, fiddles are made in Shetland, some of them examples of very advanced technology.  In Scalloway, a skilled craftsman produces beautiful bespoke furniture.  Several makers craft intricate jewellery.  Others work in ceramics, pottery, glass, basketwork, felt and leather.  Bookbinding is another skill on offer.

Shetland also has its own soap-makers offering very appealing ranges that have found buyers well beyond the islands.  Craft skills are apparent, too, in the production of many kinds of confectionery including chocolates, fudge and tablet, not to mention beer. 

Shetland Arts and Crafts Association can assist with supplier information and contact details.  Their Craft Trail will lead you to producers throughout Shetland and it’s often possible to visit their studios.  You can download the Craft Trail leaflet.

Stockists and factory shops can be found throughout the islands.  In the capital, Lerwick, boutiques, gift shops and galleries offer hours of pleasant browsing through high quality, exclusive art and craft work, making for a very relaxing excursion.  Most of these shops are conveniently clustered in the heart of the old town, along Commercial Street and the Esplanade, but there is also an outlet at the Shetland Museum and Archives and a wool shop on the Old North Road, a little farther from the centre.