Whithorn

In 1961 Scott was commissioned by Eugene Rosenberg of architect firm Yorke, Rosenberg and Mardall to design curtain material for Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry. Whithorn, screen-printed onto linen by the Edinburgh Weavers, drew both its name and inspiration from the distinctive round-headed crosses carved by the Whithorn School, which was active in Scotland between 900 and 1100 AD.

Whithorn is thought to have been elevated from a static image when the present lot was fashioned into a dress worn by Vivian Fusillo at the opening party for Larry Rivers’ 1962 exhibition at Gimpel Fils, at which she is pictured. A close friend of Fusillo, Scott himself accompanied her to the event.