One of the intricate lace design lampshades you can see at Hay's Dock © Mark Sinclair / Phatsheep Photography A unique textile inlay can be found on every table © Mark Sinclair / Phatsheep Photography

Public Art

Many fabulous artworks are integrated into the Museum and Archives, and the Café Restaurant is no exception.

You will find archive pictures depicting Hay’s Dock through the years and local artworks integrated into the everyday items, such as:

  • Our tables were designed by a local furniture maker and custom-made with help from local college students. Made from ash, the legs have been ingrained with peat to bring out the grain of the wood.
  • On the top of each table is a unique textile inlay, made by different local artists, designers and college students. Highlighting the varied skills within the isles, they incorporate use of weaving, printing, knitting, felt, lacework, embroidery, sewing and collage.

Even the lampshades are a work of art, made using wire knitted into fine lace patterns.

There is more artwork down on Hay’s Dock, including the Shetland Receivers. These dishes play recordings of historical and contemporary life in Shetland, while the posts contain ‘clouds’ of illuminated Shetland wool. Both react to wind speed and direction, so you never know what you may hear or see next!