It is rare that one work of art gives birth to another. But this is precisely what has happened with the Great Tapestry of Scotland Gallery in Galashiels. When Andrew Crummy and I conceived the narrative and form of the tapestry we wanted to tell an epic story with clarity, passion and skill. Page\Park have answered our vision with a truly brilliant and innovative building. The uncluttered, harmonious and beautifully formed space where the panels hang has added immeasurably to their impact and entire building offers the impression of elegance, simplicity and practicality. It is a magnificent example of contemporary architecture.”

As a community artist it is an honour to have my drawings, design and sculpture in this inspired building. The main tapestry room is a vast and epic ceiling folding like a book, revealing the stories of Scotland. The star shape of the exhibition layout points to the centre of the room, which is highlighted by a single beam of natural light from the cupola in the ceiling. Creating a meeting point where people can gather and tell stories of Scotland. The gold finishes in the tapestry room links to the golden embroidery women at the top of the staircase, her multi coloured threads flow all the way down, revealing all the names of the stitchers for the Tapestry and out the building inviting and welcoming visitors. In the true spirit of community arts, it is a warm and welcoming building that celebrates. A poetic, inspired and elegant building.”

It is rare that one work of art gives birth to another. But this is precisely what has happened with the Great Tapestry of Scotland Gallery in Galashiels. When Andrew Crummy and I conceived the narrative and form of the tapestry we wanted to tell an epic story with clarity, passion and skill. Page\Park have answered our vision with a truly brilliant and innovative building. The uncluttered, harmonious and beautifully formed space where the panels hang has added immeasurably to their impact and entire building offers the impression of elegance, simplicity and practicality. It is a magnificent example of contemporary architecture.”

As a community artist it is an honour to have my drawings, design and sculpture in this inspired building. The main tapestry room is a vast and epic ceiling folding like a book, revealing the stories of Scotland. The star shape of the exhibition layout points to the centre of the room, which is highlighted by a single beam of natural light from the cupola in the ceiling. Creating a meeting point where people can gather and tell stories of Scotland. The gold finishes in the tapestry room links to the golden embroidery women at the top of the staircase, her multi coloured threads flow all the way down, revealing all the names of the stitchers for the Tapestry and out the building inviting and welcoming visitors. In the true spirit of community arts, it is a warm and welcoming building that celebrates. A poetic, inspired and elegant building.”

This is a flagship building set in a highly sustainable location, which makes a strong contribution to revitalising the Galashiels High Street. The integration of the old post office is a very positive move which has helped save this important listed building and reduced the embodied energy of the project. The radical new addition celebrates the textile industry of the area and adds a new layer of architectural richness to the conservation area. Its playful folded design breaks down the building’s large massing to sit comfortably in its context, whilst the interior of the main gallery is an unexpected and uplifting space.”

The judges were particularly struck by the way that the Great Tapestry building places itself at the heart of the fabric of Galashiels. By projecting beyond the building line it is hugely successful in acting as a central node, tying together the two main streets of the town, emphasised by the placement of windows to harness key views out and embed it within its context. The main space is very striking, and succeeds as a result of its holistic design, from the overall vision to the detail of the exhibition cabinets; by breaking up the linear exhibition into a series of spaces, it encourages unexpected connections and relations across the room, a pattern of interactions sheltered under its sculptural, unbroken roof form. Visiting now, some time after opening, the impact of the project on the town is clearly visible.”

This is an example of a pro-actively delivered project in challenging circumstances influenced heavily by the existing condition of the building and, by budget constraints. It has positive sustainability credentials, and the end users are clearly delighted with their building.”

This is a flagship building set in a highly sustainable location, which makes a strong contribution to revitalising the Galashiels High Street. The integration of the old post office is a very positive move which has helped save this important listed building and reduced the embodied energy of the project. The radical new addition celebrates the textile industry of the area and adds a new layer of architectural richness to the conservation area. Its playful folded design breaks down the building’s large massing to sit comfortably in its context, whilst the interior of the main gallery is an unexpected and uplifting space.”

The judges were particularly struck by the way that the Great Tapestry building places itself at the heart of the fabric of Galashiels. By projecting beyond the building line it is hugely successful in acting as a central node, tying together the two main streets of the town, emphasised by the placement of windows to harness key views out and embed it within its context. The main space is very striking, and succeeds as a result of its holistic design, from the overall vision to the detail of the exhibition cabinets; by breaking up the linear exhibition into a series of spaces, it encourages unexpected connections and relations across the room, a pattern of interactions sheltered under its sculptural, unbroken roof form. Visiting now, some time after opening, the impact of the project on the town is clearly visible.”

This is an example of a pro-actively delivered project in challenging circumstances influenced heavily by the existing condition of the building and, by budget constraints. It has positive sustainability credentials, and the end users are clearly delighted with their building.”