Brochtober art show inspired by the Iron Age
Caithness Broch Project and Lyth Arts Centre have teamed up to install a broch-themed Brochtober art show.
The exhibition – opening this Saturday and running until Sunday, November 3 – challenged both professional artists and the general public to create works of art based on the Iron Age structures known as brochs.
Applications for the exhibition were sent in from all over the world – from Shetland to New York – with a wide range of styles and media used.
Broch project director Kenneth McElroy said: "It's a different way of looking at archaeology – though art and archaeology go hand-in-hand. It has been fantastic to see the artwork come in and see what people think of when they envisage brochs, how can they be adapted, manipulated and reworked.”
Kenneth has described the work of John Nicolson as an inspiration for the exhibition, and welcomed works based on Nicolson's own creations.
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6 / 6"He was such a fascinating character – a self-taught carver and painter with a real interest in the past – and an altogether more considerate antiquarian."
Charlotte Mountford, co-director at Lyth, said: "We're really excited to be partnering with Caithness Broch Project to host this exhibition. We're always keen to explore how arts and culture can connect with heritage, as demonstrated in our last two summer exhibitions, and we know Brochtober will really celebrate our local history."
So far a number of artists have donated art to the project, including Ian Scott whose work often fetches thousands of pounds. Other artists include Lisa Poulsen of Inspired by Caithness who has produced a one-off, broch-inspired "Stonescape", while felt artist Penny Irvine has created an Iron Age scene. Caithnessian jewellers Lindsey Gallacher and Beth Legg have also produced brooches based on Nybster and Yarrows brochs.
Lyth’s autumn schedule will include a number of guest speakers talking on the themes of art, archaeology and Caithness.
Speakers include Martin Carruthers, director of the Cairns broch excavation, on Monday, October 14; and John Borland of Historic Environment Scotland and Jo Clements of Groam House Museum talking about Pictish stones and Scrabster-born George Bain, the eminent proponent of Celtic art, on Wednesday, October 16.
On Thursday, October 17, Edinburgh-based historian David C Weinczok will investigate the Scottish inspiration behind the popular Game of Thrones series.
On Sunday, October 27, families are invited to enjoy a hands-on day of art and archaeology at Lyth with related work by Kate Robinson, Iain Maclean and Chris Gee.
Submissions for the Brochtober art show will be auctioned off at a later date to help raise funds for the broch project. Saturday's exhibition launch starts at 4pm and is a free event.
For further information email caithnessbrochproject@gmail.com