Margaret Tait

This year marks a series of celebrations about film maker and poet , Margaret Tait , in the centenary of her birth.

It was back on the 4th of November 2016 that Orkney Islands Council responded to a request to install a plaque in St Magnus Cathedral in Poet’s Corner in commemoration of Margaret Tait. It was hoped then that a decision would be taken to see it installed by November 11th 2018.

The report to the Council stated:

“Margaret Tait was a filmmaker, artist and poet whose work is respected in Orkney, in Scotland, more widely in the United Kingdom, and internationally. As with other artists and poets who are celebrated in St Magnus Cathedral, she created art works that enable Orcadians to view their world through a new lens, as well as introducing the world to Orkney.

“Her film poems, as well as being original and experimental in nature, help to see Orkney and Scotland through time and act as an important record of life in these islands. Her direct animations are part of a particular genre of filmmaking and are as important and vital as any other artist working in this field. Her poetry was equally thought provoking and beautiful.”

The item went to the council for a decision because the St Magnus Cathedral Sub-committee consider matters relating to the fabric and use of the Cathedral.

Unfortunately the agreement to install the plaque came too late for this year’s commemorations but the good news is that the family have announced that permission has been granted and it will go ahead in 2019.

Temporary plaques have been popping up around places in Scotland connected with Margaret Tait but this would be a permanent one in St Magnus Cathedral.

Related stories:

The Days Never Seem The Same: Exhibition of the work of Gunnie Moberg and Margaret Tait

Orkney’s Second Film Festival Running Throughout November