Dr Morna Sturrock AM Academic Scarf

It is beautifully designed and made to traditional patterns as you would expect of Morna, but the stitching of the College heraldic arms (one on each face) is exquisite. She told me that, in the making of it, she used up the last of her royal gold thread, from the time when she was working on the robes &c at the late Queen’s coronation in 1953. She was then studying at the Royal School of Needlework in London.  For those who knew her, as I did, the scarf is a special reminder of a highly gifted artist.

I am well retired and there is no Dean, so it is being placed around the shoulders of our new Master at Ormond at his installation tomorrow, with the intention that it handed on to each successive Master from now on.

The arms are Ormond College’s and you can see the ‘royal’ thread.

The scarf has a new use.  It was presented as a symbol of his office at his installation as Master, to Dr Ari Metuamate, with the understanding that it will be presented to each successive Master from now on.  It appropriately is worn over academic dress.

This article will appear in May 2025 Threadlines.