“Estonian Book 500” Tapestry Recognised as Textile Achievement of the Year 2025
Award “Textile Achievement of the Year” laureate is the Estonian Book Year tapestry “Estonian Book 500”. The tapestry was designed by the students of the Pallas UAS Department of Textile: Sofia Lanman, Inger Tammela, Brigitte Mihkelson, Kristiin Kuuslap, and Marite Rikkas. Project was supervised by Marju Roos and professor Aet Ollisaar.
The idea to mark the 500-year history of the Estonian book with a tapestry, one in whose creation people across Estonia could participate, was proposed by Mart Jagomägi. At the suggestion of Krista Aru, the Department of Textile was involved in the realization of the idea. Students designed a dense sequence of images based on key moments in the history of the Estonian book.
The aim was to create an inclusive art project that would also introduce the history of the Estonian book to a wide audience. The idea of embroidering the tapestry proved highly engaging: over the course of a year, thousands of people have contributed. The youngest known participant was two years old, and the oldest 104. The tapestry has traveled nearly 3,000 kilometers.
The popularity of the project led to the production of a second printed version of the tapestry, divided into sections and sent to Estonian communities abroad. The embroidery process was organized in cooperation with the Estonian Folk Art and Craft Union.
The Estonian Book Year tapestry has proven to be a truly successful initiative, distinguished by its wide-reaching impact and the involvement of a large number of participants throughout 2025.
Mart Jagomägi: “There have been thousands of embroiderers in total. At one point, I counted a few counties and estimated that there would be around 5,000 participants. Unfortunately, not everyone wrote their name in the logbook, but some statistics will still be available. The youngest embroiderer so far has been 2 years old and the oldest 104. The tapestry has traveled nearly 3,000 kilometers. I have only fragmentary information about the version for Estonians abroad — it was divided into five parts. Just as I was writing this, I received a call from Germany asking for some instructions and expressing gratitude for being able to take part in such a wonderful initiative.”
The jury found that this project is one of the most outstanding events of the Estonian Book Year, highlighting its strong community involvement, its role in popularizing textile art, and its lasting museum value as an object that will continue to be exhibited in the future.
Read more: Textile awards 2025
Photos Ksenia Kvitko
