Garvald baker Patrick Dooley
I like the work, I like doing this. I like making things,” says Brian Baird.
“I always try to do my best. I sometimes kick myself for not doing things properly but I shouldn’t because it is just part of learning. I like to do things that make us think.”
Baird, a 49-year-old Garvald Edinburgh joinery workshop member, has produced eight fine beechwood chairs for the Botanic Cottage at the Royal Botanic Garden in the city (pictured).
The Botanic Garden’s Laura Gallagher is delighted with the commissioned work: “We approached Garvald because of the quality of the craftsmanship and the strong community links.
“Brian made each one himself. He is a very skilled man and has done a wonderful job.”
Garvald runs more than 20 workshops, including textiles, glass, baking and confectionery, jewellery and puppetry, from Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Established in 1969, Garvald takes its inspiration from the ideas of philosopher Rudolf Steiner and social therapy.
We believe any person will blossom if they feel valued and part of a community where they are recognised for who they are and not diminished by labels.
We have tried to create an environment where the 230 people who use our facilities can unleash their creativity through arts and crafts.
Our Orwell Arts studio, for example, has floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the space with a light and stripped wooden floors. Having a beautiful environment helps people to engage fully in their craft.
We also believe in making for a purpose, with an end product a creator can be proud of and sell or display to the public alongside work by other professionals and craftspeople.
Members produce bread, cakes and biscuits for 14 outlets in Edinburgh. Art and glass works were shown at the recent Edinburgh Art Fair, and textile products were on sale at the Glow design fair.
Glow founder James Donald says: “The quality of the work really impresses me. They do a great product range and there aren’t that many weavers out there.”
Joinery workshop leader Rebecca Kemmer, who works with Baird, says: “The people are very capable and I would hate for people to think that just because somebody has a disability that they’re not truly skilled.”
Garvald is also a founder organisations of get2gether, an independent SCIO (Scottish charitable incorporated organisation) that arranges social activities for people with disabilities, ranging from karaoke to attending Pride marches.
Members are supported to develop confidence and resilience through meeting and building friendships alongside others with shared interests.
We also believe in making for a purpose, an end product that its creator can be proud of and sell or display to the public alongside work by other professionals and crafts people.
Some of our members have accumulated more than 10,000 hours in our workshops, the threshold when one becomes considered an expert.
“It’s incredible to see the members’ development,” said Layla Tree, one of the leaders of the textiles workshop.
“Someone I work with who has autism is amazing at remembering sequences and patterns and despite initially not wanting to touch any materials has developed into an independent weaver…. I do firmly believe that through weaving their lack of confidence and their anxieties have diminished.”
One of those weavers is Kieran Thompson, who has completed a number of commissions for Garvald.
“I enjoy weaving. It’s quiet and I can concentrate more. I feel smiley, happy and proud. I get good experience from the staff helping to show me how to do weaving. I’m so happy they show me new things.”
Mike Casey is chief executive of Garvald Edinburgh
Photo credits: Joe Tree (textile and weaving images); Garvald (Brian Baird and chairs); Andrea Thomson Photography (Patrick Dooley)
