Entry to the Gallery Is Free

Maclaurin Mag Auutumn 2019.qxp 28/08/2019 22:14 Page 1

The Auutumn 2019 MThe Maclaurina Gallery Magazinecl aEntryur to the galleryin is free

Published by Friends of the Maclaurin Maclaurin Mag Auutumn 2019.qxp 28/08/2019 22:14 Page 2

eDiToR’s noTe It’s hard to believe it is autumn already as it seems no time since I was talking about the summer exhibitions coming up and now we are looking forward to all the exciting things on offer from now until Christmas. eVenTs who’s who at maclaurin Tom Rennie – But before we do. The Scouller Exhibition, Drawn Together proved PoRTRaiT Demo a real favourite with visitors resulting in good sales. The Volunteers Patron Thursday 24th October - 7.00pm really came into their own helped by the briefing session from Glen Peter Howson OBE and Carol. Visitors always like to hear stories and anecdotes relat- ing to exhibitions, so these walk and talk sessions with the artists Patron Emeritus prove invaluable. Helen M Turner Trustees There is still a chance to see The Making of a Gallery, the exhibition so ably researched and curated by Dianne Gardner that tells the John Walker Chair The Maclaurin Trust story of James Henry Maclaurin in whose memory the gallery was Nicholas Kilpatrick established. There are some fascinating old photographs of the stables and the yard as it was before the architects did their award- Helen M Turner winning transformation to create the gallery and the courtyard. Michael Clark Well worth a look. Celia Stevenson And now looking ahead. It’s at this time of year we are delighted Curators to welcome Save the Children with its annual exhibition and sale. Celia Stevenson Vice Chair Maclaurin Trust It’s one hundred years since the charity was established, so this is a very special event indeed. Save the Children is always a popular Michael Clark Permanent Collection Well known Dunure artist Tom Rennie (his weekly art place with visitors wanting to buy artwork, with the added benefit classes are an ever-popular feature) Dianne Gardner Chair Programming of supporting a worthwhile charity. will give a demonstration of the important points of por- Alan Moir Chair ‘Friends’ trait painting. Further details from the Membership Secre- This year the School’s exhibition will feature the senior students tary nearer the time. studying art in South Ayrshire. This also involves competition for Caroline Lorimer Vice Chair ‘Friends’ the Kilgour Award, in memory of Jack Kilgour a leading light in the Fiona Robertson Events Co-ordinator BisTRo nighT early days of the Maclaurin. This is a competition fiercely con- Friends of the Maclaurin Committee wiTh PoeTRy tested, ultimately judged by well- known local artists. The winning Thursday 28th November entry is traditionally added to the Maclaurin Collection. Alan Moir Chair 7.00pm at the Maclaurin Gallery

Caroline Lorimer Vice Chair Our featured artist in this issue is Ian McNicol, who is well known A jolly supper among friends with that special added at the gallery, and in Ayr and Ayrshire, as he and his wife Leona Douglas Gulland Treasurer ingredient, performed poetry! Watch out for further Stewart are stalwarts of the local arts scene. Ian is a Master Printer information as above. David Reader Membership Secretary working at the renowned Glasgow Print Studio and his story is an interesting one as you will discover. Celia Stevenson Editor Maclaurin Magazine

Fiona Robertson Events Co-ordinator We feature the second in our series Artists in the Kitchen. This time Michael Clark entices us with a delicious dessert. And for some- Dorothy Fisher thing completely different we have a wee competition for those of Gail McAulay you who like a challenge. Jennifer Dudney There are two exciting events to tell you about. Tom Rennie, who Sheila McLean Minutes Secretary really needs no introduction to readers of this magazine is going to give a demonstration of portrait painting in October and by popular demand we are hosting another South Ayrshire Council at The Maclaurin Art Gallery Bistro Supper in November, with very special entertainment! Full details Laura Kerr – Coordinator, Cultural People Directorate under Events. Cultural Portfolio – Cllr Brian McGinlay

Oh! this magazine reaches the parts other publications don’t get near! The Maclaurin Art Gallery is a Scottish Charity SCO 12798

Enjoy.

Front Cover “New Arrangement” by Ian McNicol Editor Magazine design by John MacDonald 2 www.themaclaurin.org.uk Maclaurin Mag Auutumn 2019.qxp 28/08/2019 22:14 Page 3 ConTenTs

whaT is saVe saC a PiRaTes liFe THAT ? THE MUSEUM FOR ME 5 CHILDREN 6 STORE 7 8

The ian wigTown winDow GRAIN MCNICOL BOOK ON THE EXCHANGE11 12 FESTIVAL15 CLYDE 16

ComiC RiVeRsiDe CON DaViD STUDIOS 18 REID 21 22 oPen all maClaURin hisToRy

yeaR RoUnD The trust was founded as a bequest from the late Mrs Mary Ellen Monday to Saturday Maclaurin, who, in her will, provided that curators appointed within the Will should, within five years of her death, build an art gallery 10am - 5pm and/or museum in Ayr to be called The Maclaurin Art Gallery in Sunday 12 noon - 5pm memory of her husband. ConTaCT Us The Maclaurin Art Gallery Rozelle Estate, Monument Road, Ayr, KA7 4NQ t: 01292 443708

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ReCenT haPPenings

The DalRymPle Ukelele oRChesTRa

DRawn TogeTheR

The Scouller exhibition in the summer ‘DRAWN TOGETHER’ featuring work from all four family artists proved a great success, with lots of visitors and good sales.

On Sunday 25th August the Dalrymple Ukelele Orchestra gave a packed audience a joyous singalong concert followed by drinks in the courtyard in one of this Summer’s few fabulous sunny days.

FoR The loVe oF The ClyDe

At the same time an exhibition of work entitled The irrepressible Richard bounced around the Patron’s ‘FOR THE LOVE OF THE CLYDE’, all done this year by Gallery talking about his paintings and life as we Richard Demarco OBE, drew similar good crowds and went! The Friends of the Maclaurin presented him sales especially after a fascinating afternoon talk with with a birthday cake to mark his 89th birthday, which the artist. fell just after the exhibition ended.

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now FoR someThing a BiT DiFFeRenT…

‘ARTISTS IN THE KITCHEN’ In the second of the serieswe welcome this delicious sounding recipe from Michael Clark.

Mandarin Créme Caramel (after Raymond Blanc) Serves 4 …? abstract image by ian mckinnell Make the sauce

Ian McKinnell is an abstract photographer who makes So here is a wee competition. Look at this photo- Make a sauce with a small pot of Earl Grey tea and 2 amazing abstract pictures. I encountered him at the graph and guess what it is. I thought I saw a roofs- tbs of sugar, reduce the liquid by half then add 12 Grain Exchange in Ayr one Saturday afternoon and cape, someone else thought it looked like WWI Agen prunes and half a glass of Armagnac, simmer was fascinated by his work. For those of you who have trenches. Look at it and make up your own mind. for 4 minutes. Allow to cool. not yet discovered this recently opened public space in the High Street, I recommend it to you. Send your answer to :- Cooking the caramel Almost every Saturday there is an art event and sale Place 2 tbs of water and 80g of caster sugar in a of some sort. Ian, takes all his photographs on his [email protected] saucepan, cook until you have a dark caramel. Pour mobile phone and describes his work as into 4 metal ramekins. “digital art on the run”, The person who guesses correctly, or if not, the most

manipulating his images into pleasing imaginative guess will receive a full-size mounted Make the cream abstract forms. print of the photograph.

Cut a vanilla pod in half, scrape out seeds, put both pod and seeds in a saucepan with 400ml Jersey milk and grated zest of 2 mandarins, simmer for 5 mins. In a separate bowl whisk 6 egg yolks and 80g caster sugar. Pour in milk while whisking the egg yolks and sugar. Strain into a jug and divide between the ramekins.

Place ramekins in a bain-marie in a roasting tin with hot water, about two-thirds up the sides of the The Little Art School Trust SCIO Team were delighted ramekins, cover with tin foil, bake for 35 mins at to raise just under £12,000 at their Ladies Day at 180c. Turnberry hosted by Newsnight Presenter, Allow to cool running a blade round the edge of the Kirsty Wark. Funds raised at the event will enable the ramekins. Turn out onto bowls. Ayrshire based charity to continue delivering free art Pour the sauce around the ramekins with the prunes. lessons to people living with dementia and to vulnerable children in our community

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saVe The ChilDRen ayRshiRe aRT exhiBiTion Sunday 6th October – Sunday 17th November 2018

2019 is the Centenary year of Save the Children. An amazing 100years since our founder, Eglantine Jebb began her mission to fight for the rights, well- being and aspirations of the world's children. Around 150 artists, professional and amateur will be exhibiting. Mairi Aitken, Erni Upton, Aine Divine, Claire Harrigan and many other outstanding artists have supported this event for many years. Two new artists to look out for are Fiona Scott-Brown and Mary Davidson. The raffle prize is a beautiful oil painting “Yachts Away”, by Douglas Lennox, winner of The Willa Revie award last year. The title of this year’s competition is "Favourite Places" The artist whose painting gets the most votes from visitors to the exhibition will be awarded The Grant People's Prize Plaque. A pen and watercolour work by Peter Howson, "Blessing" has been donated by the artist. The raffle prize The exhibition will be held for 6 weeks “Yachts Away” by Douglas Lennox Invitation only Preview Saturday 5th October 2019 Open to public Sunday 6th October 12noon - 5pm.

“Blessing” by Peter Howson “Summer Hillside” by Jim Wylie “Toward Lighthouse” by Peter Foyle DUnURe aRT Class The Dunure Art Class, run by artist and teacher Whether you are an experienced artist or are just Tom Rennie, is now enrolling for the new season starting out, you’ll be very welcome and have the and has a number of places still available. opportunity to practise and improve your Draw- The classes take place every Wednesday, in the ing and Painting skills in a friendly and inspiring Kennedy Hall, right by the beach, in the beautiful environment. South Ayrshire village of Dunure. There is a morning class and an afternoon class. Tom will also be running a series of Art Workshops Come to either, or come for the day. over the next few months, so look out for those. The ancient Castle of Dunure and the 17th century harbour are right outside the door and with views You can call Tom on over the sea towards Arran, the Mull of Kintyre 07833 516 049 and Ireland, the class takes advantage of an or email – [email protected] amazing location.

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alaDDin’s CaVe in soUTh ayRshiRe - David Reader reports

Do you know about South Ayrshire’s Museum Store? Library) collections and has since been considerably Friends of the Maclaurin – I didn’t until speaking to Keir Murray, at Rozelle House added to. The paintings are from the various Burgh one day. I knew he had responsibilities at the John collections, from Ayr, Prestwick and Girvan. Membership Subscriptions Pollock Centre on Mainholm Road, Ayr but apart from Items are recorded and are stored in a particular man- that I knew very little, but was curious to learn more ner to preserve them. Specialised paper, tissue paper, from Douglas Gulland as I knew the Maclaurin Art collection was stored foam, and treated cardboard, is used to avoid dam- Treasurer to the Friends of the Maclaurin there. Keir who is Museums & Galleries Officer, -of age. Cleaning is carried out in ways suited to the fered to show me around. item. All this takes time and immense patience. This Annual membership subscriptions to The John Pollock Centre, previously Mainholm all takes a long time, particularly as there are with so The Friends are now due, but please note the Academy, is home to many council departments. few staff involved. A comment from a visiting ‘Friend new rates: £20 for Individual and £30 for joint Keir’s office and store is tucked away at the back of the of the Maclaurin’ reflects what is required. “They two or family membership. building. I soon became aware as he showed me staff seemed to have a genuine love in researching around, that his responsibility for indexing and caring and putting the history together of the different items If you pay by Standing Order (which we recom- for this extensive collection was daunting, and re- and passing on their discoveries to us visitors.” mend) please ensure that this has been updated quired huge patience and expertise. The large store So fascinating did I find my visit that it prompted me to show the new rate and is payable annually room was previously a school hall with fold away to arrange two group visits for Friends of the Maclau- on 1st July. seating, still stored against the wall. rin. These took place earlier in this summer. Feedback Standing Orders should also include your Keir selected items to show me and to explain, a diffi- has been remarkable. “I had absolutely no idea of the post code as reference. cult task from the thousands of items categorised. wealth of unusual and interesting pieces the collec- What to choose from - Fine Art (drawings, prints, tion contained”. Cheques must be payable to ‘The Friends of the paintings & sculpture), Social History, Archaeology, “This was a worthwhile visit to expand our knowledge Maclaurin’; unfortunately, any other payee Photographs, Books, Natural History, Recordings, Dec- of this valuable asset in the South Ayrshire.” address is not acceptable to the bank. orative Arts, Ethnography, Botany, Geology? As well “Keir was able to provide a clear insight into what as the council social history, geological/paleontologi- goes on ‘behind the scenes’ at the museum store. Cheques should be posted to cal and fine art collections, there are about 540 items Chris Delaney, his assistant was very enthusiastic and David Reader which belonged to the Tam o’Shanter Museum that it was clear how passionate they both are.” Membership Secretary used to be in the High Street. Much of the social his- I suspect further visits will be arranged due to the in- 12 Carrick Road, Ayr, KA7 2RB tory collection came from the Burgh of Ayr (Carnegie terest shown by many. with a note of your name and address, including post code.

If you have paid at the old rate, any supplemen- tary payments (£5 in every case) can be paid either by cheque to ‘The Friends of the Maclaurin’ and sent to David Reader as above, or by bank transfer in favour of ‘The Friends of the Maclau- rin’ to TSB sort code 87-37-67. a/c no. 77726468, and again please add your post code as reference (so that we know which Clark, Wilson, Smith ….. is making the payment). Thank you for your help – we promise we won’t be changing the subscription rates for some time! You may wish to note that we have updated The Friends ‘support notice’ in the Gallery. Over the years The Friends have now provided more than £40,000 in funds to support Gallery projects, such as the new sound system, walking aids, display cases, in fact a whole number of things to benefit the gallery. So your subscriptions and fund raising contributions all go to make the Maclaurin Gallery experience more accessible and memorable for all our visitors.

Kier Murray explaining about the collection www.themaclaurin.org.uk 7 Maclaurin Mag Auutumn 2019.qxp 28/08/2019 22:15 Page 8

Rozelle hoUse mUseUm & galleRies

south ayrshire Council art Treasures

Saturday 22nd June – Sunday 8th September

We are proud to exhibit twenty two paintings and sculptures from the South Ayrshire Council collections, featuring some of the biggest names in Scottish, British and European Art. Alexander Nasmyth ‘Bay of Naples’ South Ayrshire Council

a Pirate’s life for me

Saturday 2nd November – Sunday 26th April 2020

A new exhibition created by the V&A Museum of Childhood, offering a jaunt through the world of both real life and fictional ayrshire College Visual arts hnD pirates, playfully presented and including both interactives and work created in partnership with children. Using museum objects Saturday 6th July – Sunday 8th September and engaging learning to create an experience families can enjoy together, Rozelle House will be transformed, into a seaside tavern and a tropical paradise island, all centred around an almost-full- sized pirate ship - cue dressing up, stories, much ringing of the ship’s bell, and peering through a telescope.

‘Inside his Mind ‘by Rhiannon Winslow A selection of work from this year’s HND graduates from Ayrshire College, all of whom are going on to complete their degree at UWS, Dundee or Glasgow School of Art.

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The maClaURin galleRy

The making oF The maClaURin 1919-2019

Sunday 22nd July – Sunday 22nd September

James Henry Maclaurin died in Los Angeles in 1919. In 1971 His wife, Mary Ellen Maclaurin, made a bequest to found a Gallery in Ayr to honour the memory of her husband. It was to be called ‘The Maclaurin Gallery’. This exhibition tells their story and describes the way in which the Gallery and the important Permanent Collection has developed, providing a unique and well established cultural amenity for the benefit of the people of Ayr and visitors from all over the world. “Man in a Blue Cloak” by R B Kitaj P TER HOWSON WILHEMENA BARNES-GRAHAM Robert MacBryde Robert Colquhoun BridgetDavie Alan Riley Ken Currie JankelJohn Hoyland GEORGE WYLIEJACK John Houston KNOX AdlerJoe Hargaan

John TaylorR.B.Kitaj

John Byrne The original building before work John Bellany Sir Terry Frost

Hannah Frank Sir Robin Phillipson commenced. PATRICKHelen Turner HERON Mike Bailey at the P.V. of the Collection Exhibition in 1983

PhilipRoger Reeves William McCance RAE

Jacki Parry Hilton David DonaldsonRONALD Michael Clark VictorDavid Bomberg Passmore Barbara Rae Eardley

Linda Green Ivon Hitchens Benno Henry Moore SchotzRoyden Rabinowitch Joan

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The 26th Annual Ayrshire Art Exhibition, in aid of saVe The ChilDRen

Sunday 6th October to Sunday 17th November

A particularly special year for this annual exhibition, as it is also the Centenary of Save the Children which was set up by Eglantyne Jebb and her sister Dorothy Buxton to help children who were suffering from extreme poverty after the First World War. The charity “River Affric” by Margaret MacDonald is still essential as there is still great child poverty throughout the world. The Art Exhibition has pictures with a huge variety of subjects, covering many genres and using many different mediums. The artists, who can each submit two pictures, are both amateur and professional and the prices reflect this.

soUTh ayRshiRe seConDaRy sChools Saturday 29th November – January 2020

Celebrating the diversity of art and design work created by senior pupils and presenting the Jack Kilgour Award to support the creative talents of pupils, and to recognise the work and dedication of the art departments in South Ayrshire Schools. “Still Life” by Fiona Hughes “Poppies” by Dianne Gardner The mCkeChnie insTiTUTe

open art marching on

Saturday 22nd June – Saturday 21st September Saturday 29th September to 14th December 2019 The 36th Annual Open Art Exhibition, featuring work from artists living and working in Girvan and the South Ayrshire concludes the WW1 surrounding area. Centenary period, presenting an exhibition created in partnership with the Girvan and District Great War Project and the National Library of Scotland, to share the stories of local people and families, and to consider how Scots men and women attempted to forge ‘a better world’.

Alexander Donald, image used with kind permission of Karen Murray “Goat Fell” by Nancye Cameron 10 www.themaclaurin.org.uk Maclaurin Mag Auutumn 2019.qxp 28/08/2019 22:15 Page 11

The gRain exChange

John MacDonald painting demonstration at the Grain Exchange If you had been wondering over the last couple of years what was going on in the old Clydesdale Bank on Ayr High Street, then you must be delighted to see the appearance of The Grain Exchange. This is an initiative by South Ayrshire Council to provide space for people involved in arts and crafting to display and sell their work. And very popular it is proving to be with weekly Saturday markets. The building which can be accessed from all four sides is an airy and well -lit space and since the addition of an upright piano, on which one is invited to play, it’s often filled with music.

Hand made dolls by Maree Hughes

Leona Stewart Glass Designer New for 2019 Dumfries House Ceilidh Saturday 2nd November 2019

New for 2019, join fellow dancers for an evening of Scottish music, Ceilidh dancing and traditional fare. Robert Lovie, Deputy Executive Director, The Prince’s Foundation will host the evening, with music provided by the lively JimJam Ceilidh Band. A Ceilidh Caller will offer instruction and encouragement throughout the evening to any hesitant novice dancers, all welcome! A two course Scottish supper will provide fuel for the spirited evening.

Tickets £32 Per person For further information about how to book Please contact Tania Bechelli on Wall Canvas by Astrid Weigel 01290 429913

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ian mCniCol masTeR PRinTmakeR talking to Celia Stevenson

Ian McNicol is well- known at the Maclaurin Gallery, having held many well attended print demonstrations over the years as well as taking printmaking classes in the tiny print room in Rozelle House.

Ian was born in Elderslie one of four brothers. He attended four primary schools and two high schools, quite a number of changes for a youngster, but his father was a bank manager in the days when such posts necessitated several branch moves. At secondary school, he told his careers master that he would like to go to art school, a suggestion that was met with disdain and the advice to ‘go and get himself a proper job.’

So, at seventeen Ian joined an architectural practice in It was with Harry Magee’s encouragement that Ian Glasgow to train as an apprentice architect while also visited the Glasgow Print Studio and in no time was studying at the Glasgow School of Art on a part time taking classes in screenprinting, etching and basis. He loved his time at the GSA although he ad- lithography. He absolutely loved etching. mits he spent quite a lot of time looking over the Ian explained to me that it was the technical shoulders of the fine art students to see what they processes and the almost limitless range of effects were doing. He was fascinated by artists, their that can be achieved with etching that entranced him. creativity and their ways of working. His duties back Gradually Ian, under the expert guidance of the studio at the office meant that with his technical drawing manager, qualified as a master printer and was soon skill, he was involved with the presentations for the teaching etching classes as well as evolving into a col- practice when they were competing for business. laborating artist, supporting and working on the fine But three years of working in the drawing office and art publication programme with the growing roster of attending classes at the art school took their toll and contemporary artists. Ian admits the strain caused complete burnout. He took three months off to consider and recover. It was suggested to him by his employers that he enrol in the Glasgow College of Building and Printing to continue on the Architectural Technicians course but instead Ian chose to study Technical Graphics and Illustration.

Here he was fortunate to be taught by Harry Magee a tutor with an engineering background who instilled in Ian a love for the complex side of technical graphics.

“Hooses”‘

“White Triangle”

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“Glasgow Grid”

The Print Studio in Glasgow is an open access facility In 2011, Ian with another colleague from the Print for artists and at the present has around three hun- Studio was chosen to go on a three -month exchange dred artist who regularly use it. It employs four mas- visit to India, to the prestigious JJ School of Art in ter printers, four senior technicians and a number of Mumbai to teach MFA (Masters of Fine Art) students. adminstrative and other staff to run the extremely The programme was supported by Pheroza Godrej, busy studio. Many famous Scottish artists and quite a Gallery Owner, Arts Historian, Writer, Environmentalist few well-known English ones use the Print Studio. and wife of one of the richest Industrialists in India Barbara Rae is particularly keen on working with Ian Ian describes Mumbai as a culture shock. The poverty and for her exhibition at the Edinburgh Festival last of so many of the inhabitants appalled him. It was in year she created a suite of prints specially for the Mumbai with exposure to its vibrant culture and show. The list of people Ian works with is impressive. collaboration with the MFA students that Ian found Not only Rae, but Peter Howson, Ken Currie, John his love of colour, and the vibrancy of the colour made Byrne and London artists Eileen Cooper and Tom a big impression on him. Hammick, all have beaten a path to the Print Studio door and although she is no longer active It was while working at the print Studio that Ian met Elizabeth Blackadder spent a lot of time there. Leona Stewart who also worked there.

“Treeline”

“Interlocking Fields”

“Scottish Loch”

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ian mCniCol masTeR PRinTmakeR

“Moonlight”‘

Seventeen years ago the pair moved together to Carrick Road in Ayr and now are both well-known on the local arts scene. Determined to have more time to pursue his own work, Ian now works only three days a week in Glasgow – well, as he says that is the theory! It seldom works out that way.

This year Ian submitted two works to the Royal Academy in London for its hugely popular summer exhibition. The submission process is quite lengthy. First you submit digital images of the pieces for the first adjudication, plus £35 per item. If they pass, you are asked to frame and send them to the RA. The final “Green Hill”‘ hurdle is when all the artwork is laid out prior to the hang, there are always more pieces than spaces. But if you get hung you have a very good chance of also getting sold. Ian got both etchings into the exhibition and both of them sold. And to follow that success Ian has been picked, along with four other printmakers who featured in the RA Summer Exhibition, to be part of The Original Print Show, curated by artist Norman Ackroyd CBE,RA at the Zillah Bell Gallery, London from 7th – 28th September.

If you have been to one of Ian’s print demos at the Maclaurin you will know how popular they are. His print room in Rozelle House has his Littlejohn Etching Press, working tables and a special print rack, but it is bursting at the seams. The good news is that Ian has been told the Garden Room in Rozelle House can shortly be his to expand the demonstrations and classes. As there will be fees involved for these this will be a win/win for both Ian and the Council. So, you can expect to learn much more about printmaking and many processes that go into producing this fine artwork in the months to come. “Scottish Loch No4”‘

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DUmFRies anD galloway FesTiVals Team

The teams behind all six autumn events and festivals in Dumfries and Galloway got together with background Belties (Belted Galloway cattle) on a farm near Castle Douglas to highlight all the cultural activities that visitors can enjoy.

Wigtown Book Festival where a series of simultaneous suppers will be held in 27th September - 6th October Wigtown Book Festival houses across the town to bring together residents, fes- by Operational Director Anne Barclay tival visitors and authors to chat and dine. As all of this shows we feel it is very important to show- The 21st annual Wigtown Book Festival will be a rich case the region as well as to bring in wonderful guests mix of more than 275 events for adults and children, from the rest of the UK and beyond. including debates music, film, visual arts, theatre and And we have been a bit of a trailblazer in that respect, food. with other events and festivals growing up across Dum- I was a Girl Guide in the town when the first one took fries and Galloway that each offer their own perspec- place. It seemed like something special was happening tive on Scotland’s rural and beautiful south west. back then but we had no idea how it would grow in In fact, we are now one of six major autumn events scope and scale in the years (now decades) ahead. which include the OVO Energy Tour of Britain cycle race, Melanie Reid And this year’s line-up of guests will be a remarkable the Harvest Food Festival in the Food Town of Castle mix of leading writers, journalists, broadcasters and Melanie Reid, who was paralysed from her chest down Douglas, the rapidly growing Stranraer Oyster Festival, others to Scotland’s National Book Town. after falling from a horse, will talk about The World I The Galloway Hills Rally, and Kirkcudbright Festival of Among them will be Kirsty Wark, bestselling author Fell Out Of, a powerful account of how she rebuilt her Light “Illuminaire” in the region’s Artists’ Town. and one of the most trusted names in British news, life. Illuminaire is of especial interest to anyone with a love talking about The House by the Loch, inspired by her Wigtown also welcomes Matthew Parris and his forth- of the visual arts as its designed to be a great opportu- childhood memories and set in rural Galloway. coming work Fractured, which draws on his Radio 4 se- nity to enjoy the fabulous quality of light that attracted ries Great Lives to consider the theory that genius so many generations of artists to this pretty town – comes from the wreckage of a fractured childhood – which now boasts the fabulous £3.2m Kirkcudbright considering eminent figures from Freddie Mercury to Galleries. Marie Curie. The Wigtown Book Festival will also be continuing its Scottish rugby legend Doddie Weir will discuss a re- long-standing collaboration with Spring Fling in order markable international sporting career and his more re- to bring a visual arts element to our own event. cent work campaigning for motor neurone disease These days we have also enormously expanded what research. we offer for younger people and have the Big Wig pro- Now a 10-day event, from 27 September to 6 October, gramme which for the youngest festival goers – start- the festival likes to pick themes to explore and in 2019 ing off with a Caterpillar Party to celebrate the 50th they will include the epics of the Atlantic seaboard and anniversary of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Nordic regions. We will also have a series of events We have now renamed our young people’s festival, call- under the banner of Lost Province, which will dig deep ing it WigWAM, and transformed it so it is programmed into Galloway’s ancient past. and run by a dedicated team of volunteers aged 13-25. Photograph Heather Yates Heather Photograph With 2019 being the UN’s International Year of Indige- For the first time this year, you will find WigWAM Kirsty Wark nous Languages, the festival will celebrate the coun- events in our main listings. And they are open to all try’s three native languages – English, Gaelic and Scots. ages – but free for those under 26. Legendary barrister Geoffrey Robertson QC will talk Another furrow we will be ploughing is “This Farming So,whether it’s books, food, celebrities or visual art we about his highly entertaining memoir Rather His Own Life” – well suited to a Scottish region famed for its very much hope there’s something that will appeal to Man, which recalls battles on behalf of everyone from beef and dairy. you and your family. George Harrison and the Sex Pistols to Salman Rushdie Perhaps not unrelated there will also be the Wigtown For full details of Wigtown Book Festival go to and Julian Assange. Feasts, in association with A Year of Conversation, wigtownbookfestival.com.

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Harbour Road, Irvine, North Ayrshire KA12 8BT

www.scottishmaritimemuseum.org Telephone 01274 278283 Email [email protected]

Entrance to the exhibition is included in the Museum admission.

new PhoTogRaPhy exhiBiTion oPens a winDow onTo heyDay on The RiVeR ClyDe

Window on the Clyde Family Photos of the River’s Golden Age

until Sunday 3 November

A fascinating photography exhibition showcasing the golden era of the River Clyde has opened at the Scottish Maritime Museum on Irvine Harbourside.

‘Window on the Clyde: Family Photos of the River’s Golden Age’ brings together photographs taken by three generations of the Paterson family of Dunoon between the late PS Gael berthing at Dunoon c 1900 1800s up to the end of World War II. Together, the family’s Also on show are sketches Robert Beatty Paterson drew of Robert Beatty Paterson became a radio officer in the photographs tell the Clyde’s story through the unique per- paddles teamers and yachts as a hobby, additional family Merchant Navy. When his vessel, SS 'Chumleigh', was tor- spective of one Scottish family. They showcase the plea- photos on loan to the exhibition and a 1940 Merchant pedoed on 5 November 1942 whilst serving on a Russian sure, innovation and tragedy of the ships of the Clyde, from Navy uniform, plus historic objects from the heyday of the convoy, Robert Beatty Paterson found himself navigating the paddle steamers going ‘doon the water’ to the Glasgow pleasure steamer from the Museum’s own collection. his lifeboat towards the Arctic island of Spitsbergen. shipyards. After weeks in an open boat in Arctic conditions, the ex- hausted and injured crew took refuge in a trapper's hut. Over coming days, shipmates passed away and the health of the survivors weakened, until, they were finally discovered by the Norwegian Resistance. Robert, who weighed only 4.5 stones, recovered and provided a communications network for the Resistance Movement on the island.

After the war, he joined the Sandbank yacht -building firm of Morris & Lorimer Limited becoming managing director.

In 1989 Robert Beatty Paterson loaned 60,000 images to the Scottish Maritime Museum. Here they were curated into the Paterson Photography Collection.

‘Window on the Clyde: Family Photos of the River’s Golden Age’ is the first public exhibition of photographs from the Paterson Photography Collection PS Glen Rosa c 1900 shown by the Scottish Maritime Museum.

Following in the footsteps of his grandfather and Born in Glasgow in 1917, Robert Beatty Paterson moved to father, amateur photographer Robert Beatty the family home, Beach House in Dunoon’s West Bay, as a Paterson was the last generation to capture the Entry to the exhibition is included in general Museum small child and there began his life-long personal and maritime scenes he saw through the window of his fam- admission. professional maritime connection. When a commission to ily’s Dunoon home. The exhibition also tells the story of his join the Royal Navy in 1941 was rescinded due to discovery near fatal experience aboard a torpedoed Merchant Navy For more information, visit of his acute colour blindness, boat during WW2. www.scottishmaritimemuseum.org

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DiCk insTiTUTe Elmbank Avenue, Kilmarnock, KA1 3BU Tel: 01563 554343 Library 01563 554300 eastayrshireleisure.com Opening Times: Tues & Wed: 10am – 6pm. Thurs: 1am – 8pm Fri & Sat : 10am – 4pm Closed public holidays The Dick Institute is a fully accessible venue with limited allocated parking to the rear, 4 star venue. Free entry.

COMICS: EXPLORE AND CREATE COMIC ART DEAN CASTLE COLLECTIONS AT THE DICK INSTITUTE CLARE HUNTER - THREADS OF LIFE WITH SEVEN STORIES NORTH MUSEUM GALLERY Thu 21 Nov · 2pm-4pm 28 Sep - 18 Jan 2020 £2 entry (Under 2s free) Dean Castle is undergoing major repair and refurbish- “For the past thirty years, I have been involved with ment works. As a result, the Castle’s fabulous and im- textiles as a community artist, exhibition curator and This colourful and interactive exhibition from Seven portant collections of early musical instruments, arms banner maker. In 1986, I set up ‘Needleworks’ in Glas- Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books pre- and armour, tapestries and more have been brought gow working with people of all ages and cultures, sents an eclectic mix of original, iconic comic art to the Dick Institute for safe-keeping, and for a period using sewing to celebrate local history, document alongside recent work by current children’s comic cre- of around 2 years these collections will be displayed community experiences and share personal concerns ators that will delight and inspire the whole family! and stored in the North Museum. through the creation of wall hangings and banners. I Young people and comic book fans of all ages will be undertake textile commissions and organise sewing immersed in the stimulating and imaginative world of A series of events, workshops, recitals and displays projects throughout Scotland. The most recent project children’s comics before creating their very own set- will take place to let visitors get an in-depth look at has been Community Matters where ten people tings, characters and stories using playful props and these collections. stitched small wall hangings to capture the stories of costumes. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to textiles that were precious to them. On my website see influential British comic icons such as Desperate you can read about the project and explore some of Dan and Dennis the Menace as they were drawn in SCOTTISH WEAPONS the themes of my book ‘Threads of Life’. I hope you the 1940s and 50s, along with old friends Oor Wullie, Thu 19 Sep · 6.00pm enjoy the discovery”. Clare Hunter. Minnie the Minx and Roy of the Rovers. Other famous characters featured include Captain America, Wonder Dr. David Caldwell, archaeologist, historian, former These talks are free but booking is essential. Bookings Woman, Superman and Hulk as drawn by Ian Scottish Weapons Curator at the National Museums of online at eastayrshireleisure.com Churchill, the British artist and producer of comics for Scotland, will present an illustrated survey of the America’s two largest comic corporations – Marvel weapons used by our ancestors from medieval times and DC comics. Current British comic creators includ- onwards to bolster their reputation as warriors. Many ing Kate Brown, of them are not just basic tools but considerable TEXTILE & MEMORY Jamie Smart and Laura Ellen Anderson provide a works of design and beautifully decorated. Included Coming soon – check eastayrshireleisure.com for unique insight into the creative process behind comic are notable contributions to the development of tech- details book making, featuring storyboards, sketches and 3D nology Loom Room models. Just some of the fun, hands-on activities Over the past year Dean Castle Textile Team and a around the gallery include a random word generator, member of East Ayrshire Leisure's curatorial staff have character creator, and a host of props, objects and THE ROLE OF THE TWO-HANDED SWORD IN EUROPEAN worked closely with two lecturers from Middlesex special devices to inspire and create comic ideas. WARFARE University - Kathleen Mullaniff and Emma Dick. Thu 24 Oct · 6:00pm Alongside Pauline Mullaniff, textile artist, they have collaborated to create an exhibition of work that team Neil Melville has been fascinated by arms and armour members made at important or special periods in all his life and has written articles on their lives – stitched in memory. aspects of them for various magazines and journals Textile and Memory includes items and artworks in a before and during writing his magnum opus. variety of techniques, including minute crochet, art A retired teacher with degrees in Latin, ancient Greek pieces, embroidery, weaving, dressmaking and gold and Italian, Neil has practised fencing since university, work. Previous projects and images from the thirteen- travelled widely in Europe and has been tour manager year history of the team will feature, as well as a fabu- for a number of coach tours to Italy since retirement. lous new baby robe made by Pauline (influenced by This talk is based on research over many years into the ‘foundling’ babies and Ayrshire Needlework), and art- development and use of the two-handed sword. Orig- works and a catalogue produced by Kathleen and inal swords from the arms and armour collection and Emma. replica swords made locally will feature. Set in the surroundings of the Dick Institute’s Loom Room and displays of the area’s textile heritage, this exhibition is a must for anyone with an interest in the subject.

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ONE GIANT LEAP - IMPRINT BOOK FESTIVAL FILM CLUB Visual Art Competition and Exhibition Oct 2019 NEW FOR Autumn 2019 Win family tickets to Illuminight with Lidl 2019 3 awards per age group: 7-11yrs | 12-15yrs | 16-25yrs Come along to our brand -new film club in the Dick Institute’s large screen EventSpace Tickets are £12 and the price includes popcorn and a CALLING ALL SPACE RANGERS! drink (beer, wine, soft drink) In conjunction with Illuminight with Lidl 2019, we Tickets are available from the Dick Institute or online want your out-of-this-world adventure artworks in- Imprint, East Ayrshire Leisure’s annual book festival, at eastayrshireleisure.com spired by the 50th Anniversary of the first moon land- returns for its 12th year with another fantastic line up ing. Whether your cosmic canvas is a lunar landscape, of award winning authors. East Ayrshire Leisure is Thurs 31 Oct, 7.30pm an asteroid abstract or a planetary portrait, create also delighted to welcome performance poet, Hollie THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW your own imagery of Apollo 11’s journey to the final McNish, Scottish noir writer Alan Parks, who will be frontier for your chance to win tickets to Illuminight discussing his latest novel and Donald S Murray who Thurs 14 Nov, 7.30pm with Lidl. Art works should be two dimensional and will talk about his deeply moving novel As the DEADPOOL A3 in size. Any process can be used – paint, digital Women Lay Dreaming. There are writing workshops, print, collage, pencil or ink. Judging will take place on poetry evenings and much more besides. Visit east- Thurs 5 Dec, 7.30pm Tuesday 1st October and prize-winners (Gold, Silver ayrshireleisure.com for the full line up and details on WHITE CHRISTMAS and Bronze in each age category) will win a family how to get tickets ticket to Illuminight with Lidl worth £40 each! Prize- Image – Imprint letter press winners will be announced online, week commencing KILLIE COMIC CON 14 October. Shortlisted entries will be showcased in Book Week Scotland Sat 16 Nov an exhibition in the Young People’s Gallery from Sat 12 October 2019 – Sat 15 February 2020. DENISE MINA: CONVICTION A day of retro games, themed quizzes, graffiti art Thu 14 Nov · 7pm · £5 workshops with Ejek, acting masterclasses with 16yrs+ Outlander’s Scott Kyle, caricature drawing workshops T&Cs: The competition opens on Tue 10 September and more! and closes at 4pm on Friday 27 September 2019. En- We are delighted to welcome back author Denise tries should be submitted to the Young People’s Li- Mina to discuss her latest critically acclaimed brary at the Dick Institute. Please ensure the artist’s publication, Conviction. Conviction starring a strong name; age and a contact email address are affixed to female protagonist who is obsessed by true-crime the back of the art work. podcasts and decides, one day, to investigate one of the unsolved crimes herself. Come along and hear Good luck! Denise weave the storytelling magic behind her latest compelling and unique new thriller. "A twisting, darkly comic, thrill-a-minute ride across Europe. If you loved Killing Eve, you'll devour Conviction" Erin Kelly

WORDS & MUSIC: THE SOUND OF YOUNG SCOTLAND Thu 21 Nov · 7pm · £7/£5 16yrs+

An evening full of some of the finest young Scottish talent in Chris McQueer, author of Hings and HWFG; Julie Rea, author and scriptwriter of the David Bowie inspired play John, I’m Only Dancing and Stephen Watt, the current Makar for the Federation of Writers (Scotland). Hosted by David Ross and Alistair Braidwood with a final segment from local band Los- ing Ground, this will be a fast-paced, jam-packed evening of readings, poetry, music and laughter.

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The BaiRD insTiTUTe Dean CasTle 3 Lugar St, Cumnock, KA18 1AD Dean Castle & Country Park, Dean Rd, Kilmarnock KA3 1XB T: 01290 427084 T: 01563 554734 eastayrshireleisure.com eastayrshireleisure.com eastayrshireleisure.com 4 star attraction. Free entry Thu 12.30-4.40pm & 5pm-8pm Fri & Sat: 10am-4pm Park and grounds open all year round. Closed public holidays Visitor Centre open 7 days - 10am-4pm The Baird Institute is a fully accessible venue. Pinecones Café open 11am-3pm Mon, Thurs, Fri and from 4 star venue. Free entry 10am-4pm Sat-Sun DISCOVERING ANCIENT EGYPT CURATOR TALKS Dean Castle's £5.2M restoration and modernisation Sat 14 Sep –Sat 14 Dec Ancient Egypt Across Scotland with Dr Dan Potter, project to allow essential stonework restoration Curator of Discovering Ancient Egypt alongside internal modernisation and redisplay began Discovering Ancient Egypt is a touring exhibition ex- Thu 10 Oct · 6.30-7.30pm · Free in early 2019. The Castle's will reopen in 2021 and its amining Scotland’s contribution to Egyptology collections will be on display at the Dick Institute until through the lives of three remarkable people. Bringing Ancient Egyptian objects can be found in museums the end of the project. together fascinating objects and hidden stories from across Scotland; from the Scottish Borders to Orkney The Country Park remains open and is a fun day out or the collection of the National Museums of Scotland and everywhere in between. These amazing objects all the family. You can find out more about the along with the collections of East Ayrshire Council, this hold both the stories of the Egyptians who made and redevelopment project at the Visitor Centre as well as exhibition uncovers how Ancient Egypt captivated used them, as well as the Scottish travellers, how to get involved in the project. You can explore the Scotland over the past 200 years as it still does today. archaeologists, scientists and artists who collected grounds where you can discover more about the Through the intriguing stories of an archaeologist, them. Many of the people who brought these objects history of the castle and the estate. astronomer and an artist, Discovering Ancient Egypt back to Scotland were not experts; but their Let the kids expend some energy in the improved brings to life the contribution Scotland has made to enthusiasm, skill and dedication allows us to learn playpark and find out more about wildlife, biodiversity Egyptology about this fascinating ancient culture. Come and hear and sustainability in the Rural Life Centre. Record the about the Discovering Ancient Egypt exhibition from plant life and animals that you’ve seen in the visitor Discovering Ancient Egypt is a National Museums its curator Dr Dan Potter and learn about Scotland’s centre and sample the delicious menu in the bright Scotland touring exhibition part in early Egyptology. and airy Pinecones café. There’s an annual calendar of events and festivals throughout the year too. DISCOVERING ANCIENT EGYPT FAMILY FUN DAY DOON THE NILE WITH CLAIRE GILMOUR, Sat 28 Sep · 1-3pm Collections Care Assistant ILLUMINIGHT WITH LIDL 2019 Sat 23 Nov · 2pm-3pm · Free Wed 23 Oct - Sun 17 Nov An afternoon of fun creative activity inspired by the National Museums of Scotland exhibition Discovering This exhibition focuses on three pioneering Scottish Illuminight with Lidl 2019 will be out-of-this world! Ancient Egypt. Our family fun days are suitable for all figures who had a major impact on archaeology and Illuminight returns this autumn with a spectacular ages with an opportunity for our younger visitors to Egyptology. Come along and hear how Alexander new ‘SPACE’ show, which will take audiences on go on a guided journey of discovery through the Henry Rhind, Annie Abernethie Pirie Quibell, and an intergalactic journey. In only 2 years Illuminight museum. Charles Piazzi Smyth made a difference to our under- with Lidl has welcomed over 80,000 visitors to one of standing of life in Ancient Egypt. the UK’s most spectacular illumination events. Come join us in 2019! Make a night of it and enjoy the food and drink village, toasted marshmallow stations and vintage funfair, with lots to enjoy throughout the evening. Buy your tickets now at: illuminight.co.uk During the 19th century, Ayrshire was at the forefront of Scotland’s industrial revolution. The key to the region’s industrial development lay below the ground where valuable minerals had been deposited over three hundred million years ago. Coal and ironstone were mined along with fireclay – a material whose heat resistance made it suitable for lining the furnaces in which iron was smelted. But this clay was versatile and was used by Ayrshire manufacturers to create a variety of products ranging from building materials to garden ornaments. A source of clay which had been laid down in more recent times, gave rise to the manufacture of the well-known local product – Cumnock Ware. Along with Cumnock Ware, this exhibition features other examples of Ayrshire’s ceramic industry while taking a look at examples of the potter’s art from other cultures around the world and over the centuries.

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Classes anD woRkshoPs

Sunday 8 September Sunday 6 October Saturday 30 November Maree Hughes Watercolour Workshops: Artist Talk: Sketchbooks by Claire Munro Paint and Prosecco Hot Air Balloons Harbour Arts Centre Harbour Arts Centre Harbour Arts Centre 11am – 11.45am 6pm – 8.30pm 10.30am – 1.30pm £2 £35 (£15 deposit required to secure place) £25 As part of the Courtyard Studios Open Weekend, artist Fancy a girl’s (or boy’s) night out with a difference? Claire Munro is offering an informal talk discussing Why not join me for a bit of fun and fizz! I will the role and use of sketchbooks in taking a project demonstrate and help you to produce your own from initial ideas through to completion, whether it acrylic painting on a 23 x 30cm canvas to take away be in a formal way in an educational setting, or a per- with you, ready to frame or hang, just as it is. Price in- sonal collection of thoughts, ideas and inspiration, cludes a lovely chilled glass of Prosecco per person or you will look at how different artists have used fruit juice for any drivers, (NB - the train station is sketchbooks and also look at some of Claire’s own. only a 10-minute walk away) If you’d like the fizz to Suggestions of how to begin and develop your per- continue to flow, refills can be purchased from Dun- sonal sketchbook will be shared. can’s Bistro just down the corridor. Please email caro- [email protected] to book. Sunday 13 October and Sunday 27 October Maree Hughes Watercolour Workshops: Sunday 8 December Nature Ayrshire Crafts: Harbour Arts Centre Screen Printed Christmas Stockings 10.30am – 1.30pm Harbour Arts Centre £25 10am – 1pm £35 Aimed at all abilities these workshops provide a re- Aimed at all abilities these workshops provide a re- laxed atmosphere to experiment with various water- In this special Christmas workshop, you will learn laxed atmosphere to experiment with various watercolour techniques exploring a variety of themes. how to screen print a lovely Christmas stocking to colour techniques exploring a variety of themes. Some materials provided. To book please email ma- hang at your fireplace! These custom printed stock- Some materials are provided. To book please email [email protected] ings look very cute and crafty, so come along and get [email protected] in the Christmas spirit. All materials will be provided. Sunday 10 November and Sunday 24 November Friday 4 October Maree Hughes Watercolour Workshops: Pre-booking is essential so please email: ayrshire- Ayrshire Crafts: Easy Canvas Art Festive Theme [email protected] Harbour Arts Centre Harbour Arts Centre 10am – 1pm 10.30am – 1.30pm Sunday 8 December £30 £25 Ayrshire Crafts: Hand-Marbled Christmas Baubles & Candles Come along and paint a stunning canvas for your Aimed at all abilities these workshops provide a re- Harbour Arts Centre home! The great thing is you don’t need to have any laxed atmosphere to experiment with various water- 2.30pm – 4pm artistic talent, so anyone can create a masterpiece. colour techniques exploring a variety of themes. £25 We will be using acrylic paint on a large canvas to cre- Some materials provided. To book please email ma- ate a colourful stylised flower head. All materials will [email protected] be provided. Sunday 17 November Pre-booking is essential so please email: Mixed Media and Mark Making [email protected] Harbour Arts Centre 10am – 12.30pm £30 (£15 deposit required to secure place) Saturday 5 October Artist Talk: The Positive in the Negative Come and experience the therapeutic joy of expres- by Margaret Carslaw sive mark-making with a variety of materials and Harbour Arts Centre tools. We’ll start by experimenting with different 11am tools, papers and paints, inks, crayons etc, working Free quite quickly to keep things lively, (old clothes might In our second Christmas workshop we will be using be advisable, it could get messy!). Once you have a marbling inks to decorate a beautiful set of Christmas No black paint on your palette? THINK AGAIN! Come few sheets done, you can then decide to revisit and baubles and a pillar candle. The results are amazing, along to a talk and demo about the power and work further into your pieces to depict something and the process is great fun strength of black in your work. specific, or you may want to make interesting, layered and really easy. A unique workshop not to be missed! abstracts, or even cut or tear them up and make a col- All materials will be provided. lage – the rules are that there are no rules, so come along and have some fun! Please email caroline.bor- Pre-booking is essential so please email: ayrshire- [email protected] to book. [email protected]

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exhiBiTions

Currently on display until Monday 23 September imaginative, high quality and contemporary art and Thursday 7 October - February 2020 North Ayrshire Open Art Favourites design. This year, for the first time, the Group Exhibi- Syrian Arts and Crafts Irvine Townhouse, John Galt Gallery tion will incorporate work inspired by or thematically Irvine Townhouse Free Free Entry linked to Tidelines Book Festival. A celebration of traditional Syrian arts and crafts cre- A selection of the most popular exhibits from this Tuesday 1 October – Monday 4 November ated by Syrian people in North Ayrshire. This exhibi- year’s North Ayrshire Open Art Exhibition as voted for Irvine Community Art Club Exhibition tion shows the culture in the lives of refugees living in by the public and various sponsors. Irvine Townhouse, John Galt Gallery North Ayrshire and helps to tell their stories. Free Entry Friday 15 November – Friday 3 January Currently on display until Friday 18 October Irvine Community Art Club started in September Rhythms and Blue: Pop Culture Portraits: An Exhibition of work by 2009 and has since gone from strength to strength. An Exhibition of work by Caroline Borland Lana McCracken The club consists of talented senior citizens, with a Harbour Arts Centre, Main Galleries Free Entry Abbey Gallery, Kilwinning Library range of both mental and physical disabilities, but Free Entry also “next generation” members with a shared pas- sion for art. Described as “a safe haven for all” mem- Lana was born in September 2005. She showed her bers can work in a friendly, passionate and supportive creativity from an early age and the time she was ten environment. The exhibition will showcase a small was constantly drawing and painting. Inspired mainly range of their art work and choice of medium, which by musicians and music, Lana began to draw and includes pastels, water colours, acrylics and oils as paint portraits which has become her speciality well as mixed media pieces. Something for everyone! Pop Culture Portraits is an exhibition of portraits of musical artists of the 21st century. Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 October Courtyard Studios Open Weekend Solo exhibition and sale of work by Irvine-based Saturday 31 August – Wednesday 8 January WASPS Studios, Irvine artist Caroline Borland featuring a wide range of sub- North Ayrshire Collections 12pm – 5pm each day jects in various styles and media. Heritage Centre, Saltcoats Free Entry Free “My inspiration comes from the world around me - The WASPs Courtyard Artist Studios on Irvine’s Har- the wonder and beauty of nature, the signs and ef- A selection of objects and artworks from the North bourside is one of Ayrshire’s main centres for great fects of human interactions upon it, and how nature Ayrshire collection. From souvenirs to our industrial quality art. The Courtyard now accommodates 14 reclaims spaces and structures over time. I am natu- heritage, to decorative arts and fine art, you’ll find very different artists, all working in their own individ- rally curious and experimental and enjoy making art something to interest you in our display. ual ways, all working to produce original, imagina- in various media and styles, from watercolour, acrylic tive, high quality contemporary art. Although visitors and oil painting to drawing, printmaking and mixed are welcome all year round, the annual Open Week- media. Favourite subjects include landscape, flora Saturday 31 August – Wednesday 8 January end brings many of the artists together at one time and fauna, old buildings and ancient Pictish standing Syrian Arts and Crafts and is a great opportunity to see work at various stones, while the sea and coast is an ever-recurring Heritage Centre, Saltcoats stages of completion, along with finished work for theme for me. My work ranges in style from represen- Free sale. tational to abstract, depending on the subject and the feelings it evokes in me.” A celebration of traditional Syrian arts and crafts created by Syrian people in North Ayrshire. Thursday 7 November – January 2020 This exhibition shows the culture in the lives of 49/49/49: An Exhibition of Portraits refugees living in North Ayrshire and helps to tell by David Reid their stories. A rich mix of photographs, traditional Irvine Townhouse, John Galt Gallery craft, traditional costume as well as paintings will be Free Entry on show for you to enjoy. A series of 49 portraits hung together in a seven by seven matrix. Each painting took Friday 6 September – Friday 1 November 49 minutes to paint. Painted on a 49 square Courtyard Studios, Group Exhibition 2019 inch board Harbour Arts Centre, Main Galleries Free Entry David set himself this challenge for the Courtyard Studios Open Weekend in October The WASPS Courtyard Artist Studios on Irvine’s 2018. Harbourside is one of Ayrshire’s centres of excellence The whole project was completed over 4 for the arts. The Courtyard accommodates 16 artists, weeks. All the people depicted are residents working in painting, drawing, graphic design, of North Ayrshire. photography, jewellery design, book-binding, music, fashion and ceramics. Set within this beautiful Ayrshire coastal setting the artists produce original,

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The RiVeRsiDe sTUDios 27 High Street Ayr

We would like to thank our friend and constant supporter, Kit, who kindly donated an Adirondack chair for us to use as a raffle prize. We are delighted to announce the winner is Kevin from London. We raised £220 all the proceeds going towards our Community Arts & Crafts Training Initiative. Thank you to everyone who supported us through donation or by purchasing tickets and to Chloe McKee who is a CACTI member and a volunteer with us at Riverside Studios, for making the draw for the winning ticket.

Sincere thanks also to Southcraig Special School for booking our wokshops for a 10 week pilot programme. We had great fun and success with their wonderful school leavers at the end of June and we look forward to welcoming them back to Riverside Studios at the same time next year. Please call us for more information.

We have two new members joining the regular the team here at Riverside Studios. Sandy Campbell, is a woodcarver with over 20 years experience Glass Bowl woodcarving on commission and Tony Robson, is a diamond setter, trained and time served in London’s Hatton Garden. Both will be offering workshops for the public.

Three drawer chest Jen’s necklaces

A big welcome also goes to Abbie Watson who is giving singing lessons and Courtney Fisher who teaches yoga.

Our workshops begin this month and we are currently taking bookings for classes in Pottery, Painting & Drawing, Life Drawing, Spinning & Weaving, Stained Glass working, Jewellery Making, Woodcarving, Stone Setting, Needle Felting, Crochet & Knitting, Singing & Yoga. Please contact Riverside Studios for bookings and more details on 01292 618587 or email ali@mas- cic.com or [email protected]

Thank you to everyone who has donated materials “Loggerheads by Sandy Campbell Three jewellery pieces and equipment of all kinds. Please get in touch if you think we might be able to utilise anything in ARTs & CRAFTs.

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Tartan Scarf on the loom Glass Bowl

Staves Dale weaving tartan

“A Blue View”

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“White Rectangle” by Ian McNicol “Dual Face” Richie Cameron “Blue Bowl” by Duncan Stewart

Richard Demarco talks about his exhibition “For the Love of the Clyde”

Glass designed by Leona Stewart “Overgrown Track” by Jim Wylie