Margaret Tait

Scottish filmmaker and poet

Margaret Tait (11 November 1918 – 16 April 1999) was a pioneering Scottish filmmaker and poet, known for her unique approach to cinema and her contributions to Scottish literature. Her work is celebrated for its lyrical quality and its deep connection to the Orkney Islands, where she spent much of her life.

Early Life and Education

Margaret Tait was born in Kirkwall, Orkney, Scotland. She attended Edinburgh University, where she studied medicine, graduating in 1941. During her time at university, she developed an interest in the arts, particularly in poetry and film.

Career

Filmmaking

Tait's filmmaking career began in earnest after she attended the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia in Rome from 1950 to 1952. Her time in Italy was formative, exposing her to neorealism and influencing her distinctive style. Upon returning to Scotland, she established Ancona Films in 1954, through which she produced, directed, and edited her own films.

Margaret Tait in 1952

Her films are characterized by their poetic nature, often blending documentary and narrative elements. Tait's work frequently explores themes of nature, memory, and the passage of time, with a focus on the everyday lives of people in Orkney. Notable films include A Portrait of Ga (1952), a tribute to her mother, and Blue Black Permanent (1992), her only feature-length film.

Poetry

In addition to her filmmaking, Tait was an accomplished poet. Her poetry often mirrors the themes found in her films, with a focus on the natural world and personal reflection. Her collections include Origins and Elements (1959) and Subjects and Sequences (1960).

Later Life and Legacy

Tait spent much of her later life in Orkney, where she continued to create films and write poetry. Her work has been influential in both the fields of film and literature, inspiring a new generation of Scottish artists.

Kirkwall Broad Street, where Tait lived

In recognition of her contributions, a commemorative plaque was installed at her former home in Kirkwall. Her films have been preserved and celebrated in various retrospectives and exhibitions, ensuring her legacy endures.

Commemorative plaque for Margaret Tait

Related Pages

• Scottish cinema
• Orkney
• Poetry
• Neorealism (art)

Orkney poets, including Tait