Posted: 25 February 2013
Silver Medal for Donald John MacKay MBE
The Livery Company award for renowned Harris Tweed weaver Donald John MacKay MBE, of the Luskentyre Harris Tweed Company, took place in London on Tuesday 19 February 2013 when he received the Weavers Company Silver Medal, which is presented annually by the Worshipful Company of Weavers, the oldest of the City of London Livery companies.
The award is made in recognition of an individual’s outstanding contribution to the weaving industry in the UK, and the ceremony was held at the Saddlers’ Hall in the City where, with 80 guests from industry, education, fashion and design, Mr MacKay received the medal from Mrs Linda Birkbeck, Managing Director of The House of Bruar, the leading UK maker of country clothing.
Chairman of the Weavers’ Textile Committee, James Sugden OBE, commented: "Donald John is quite simply an amazing exponent of the textile industry, and it is thanks in no small part to his determination, sagacity and hard work that the Harris Tweed industry last year recorded the highest annual output for 15 years. He has been, and still remains, a tireless ambassador for the industry which is now recognised as a truly rejuvenated and international niche brand.”
At the same event scholarships were awarded to weave students from the Royal College of Art, Central St. Martins School of Arts & Design, Huddersfield University, Derby University and Loughborough University.
Picured are: Mrs Linda Birkbeck and Donald John MacKay MBE.
For further information contact John Snowdon at the Weavers’ Company, email: clerk@weaversco.co.uk or Tel: 020 7606 1155
or James Sugden at Johnstons of Elgin, email: j.sugden@johnstonscashmere.com or Tel: 01343 554000