Yellow Butterflies : The colourful character, costume and culture of Scotland’s Fishwives
This exhibition examines the roles of the fishwife in the Scottish fishing industry, exploring how these women and their labour was regarded, represented, censured and celebrated!
About Yellow Butterflies : The colourful character, costume and culture of Scotland’s Fishwives
Although fishing is commonly thought of as being dominated by men, women contributed directly to the industry through their work in preparing the gear, processing the catch, and then selling the fish. It was this latter activity that brought the fisherwomen into closest contact with wider society, and in this role that they were known as “Fishwives”.
While women working in the herring industry were generally employed, fishwives worked for themselves, selling the fish caught by their family members or bought directly from the fishermen. They would work all year round, their wares varying with the seasons from shellfish to white fish to oily fish, ungutted or filleted, fresh, salted or smoked.
Being independent and distinctive saleswomen, fishwives gathered a reputation – both positive and negative – in the eyes of the public. They were admired for their colourful clothing, strength of character and healthy looks, while often being scorned for their harsh tongues and loud voices: “to scold like a fishwife” was a well-used phrase.
This exhibition examines the roles of the fishwife in the Scottish fishing industry, exploring how these women and their labour was regarded, represented, censured and celebrated, both by others and by the women themselves.
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Fife, click here to find out more!
Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Fife? Just hit 'Like' on our Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our Twitter account and you're all set!Sponsored Links
Other Events at The Scottish Fisheries Museum
100 Species
Curated and presented by Edinburgh Shoreline, the 100 Species Exhibition celebrates the life that thrives on our coast and in our seas. Catch it at The Scottish Fisheries Museum!
READ MORE
Helen Butler : The Eclectic Collection
We are so pleased to welcome back Helen Butler H2O Designs to our Merchant’s Room after her first exhibition here last year!
READ MORESponsored Links
Similar events you might like...
The Summer of Colour / Private View at Ormus Gallery
Join us at Ormus Gallery for our opening evening on 10th of May for some upbeat summer music, delicious drinks, some tasty nibbles and of course a chance to see the new collection before anyone else!
READ MORE
43rd Festival of Historic Transport
The 43rd Festival of Historic Transport is taking place at The Scottish Vintage Bus Museum on Sunday 16th June!
READ MORE
Weymss Artists and Artisans Exhibition
The Weymss Artists and Artisans Exhibition, taking place from 6th to 8th September, will feature a wide range of art and pottery from local artists at affordable prices.
READ MOREFind other events in Fife
Sponsored Links