8th July 2011 - Made in Campbeltown

[Kintyre Forum News]

Made in Campbeltown: quality throughout time.

What?

An exhibition to celebrate the boats made in Campbeltown Shipyard between 1968-98 and items made by local artisans inspired by the seascape around the town.

The main feature of the exhibition is a series of photographs of 12 fishing boats which were built in the local shipyard between 1968 and 98. To compliment these sea vessels, specially commissioned artefacts will be on display inspired by the coastal scenery and the yard itself. The idea is to celebrate the quality goods and skills of local artisans by showing a wide range of crafts whilst also promoting the food and drink products made in the town. It is hoped that the exhibition may become an annual event and will develop, depending on interest.

When and Where?

The opening evening will be 8th July 2011 at 7.30pm in the Campbeltown Library based in the Aqualibrium, Kinloch Road, Campbeltown PA28 6EG when bagpipes will pipe in the best of food and drink the area has to offer to launch the exhibition in style. This month long event coincides with the Tall Ship Race which passes Campbeltown in July and it is hoped that it will attract crews in to see the display and encourage them to buy from the local businesses.

Why?

Alba Heritage Trust and the Town Centre Regeneration Project felt that this project would be of interest to locals and visitors alike as a way of showcasing the quality items which are produced in Campbeltown to celebrate the skills and talent of the people and the legacy they leave behind. Campbeltown Shipyard Apprenticeship Schemes have given those who participated in them lifelong skills which have served the participants well in setting up their own companies and getting work locally. One of the reasons the Vestas Wind Turbine factory unit was set up in Campbeltown was because there was a readymade workforce from the shipyard already skilled in welding and in other abilities which were suitable for producing wind turbines. The Trust and Regeneration Project staff had meetings with the Argyll and Bute Library staff to plan an exhibition which will be mounted by the Library staff in co-operation with two local artists who will design the show of photographs and crafts as well as posters to publicise the event.

How?

Photos of the fishing boats will be displayed on boards and the artefacts will be on show in glass cases, wall mountings and will be designed for exhibiting by local Arts graduates Dawnne McGeachy and Rossi Oman who both have a passion for their hometown of Campbeltown and will be using their skills to enhance the work of their fellow artists and crafters taking part in the exhibition.

Who?
As well as the display of photos by Sam Henderson who has published a book called Fishing Boats of Campbeltown Shipyard, the following artisans will be showing their products:

• John Brown whose wood carved items are made out of driftwood and other fine wood to create interesting objects for gardens and homes. http://www.weetooncarver.com

• Joe Brown (John’s uncle) who has designed many fishing boats, skiffs and trawlers in pinewood which are modelled on local sea vessels.

• Grant Logan who has created items of jewellery unique to the local area along with more traditional designs. http://www.grantlogan.co.uk/enter.html

• Anne Stewart who has made a fisherman’s jersey in a modern style which was inspired by the shipyard’s boats using the old local patterns to depict ropes and chains. http://annestewartknitwear.com/

• Dorothy McMurchy has created candles perfumed like the sea breeze in containers that show off the local scenic seascape. http://www.victoriahall.org.uk/index.ph ... &Itemid=75

• Simon Rochford who has crafted a piece of pottery especially for the event in sea colours http://www.facebook.com/pages/Campbelto ... 0990132662

• Jacqui MacKenzie and Glen Millar who have both returned to their native homeland to start their business partnership of creating glass beaded jewellery from scratch.

• Sheena MacAlister whose cushions depicting seaweed and shells from the coast off Campbeltown are very popular with tourists.

• Mark Johnson, whose recordings of artists from the Kintyre Songwriters Festivals which, like fine wine gets better every year and along with national musicians, celebrates the best of local talent. http://www.kintyresongwritersfestival.co.uk/

• Made in Campbeltown Tee Shirts will also be on display

All the above are fine quality items Made in Campbeltown and have a link with the sea which surrounds the town. Also, the main food producers in the area will provide cheese, whisky and oatcakes for a press conference and the event which will be held in the Aqualibrium Campbeltown on Tuesday 28th June at noon and Friday 2nd July at 7.30.pm respectively.

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For more information please contact Pamela Galbraith on 07796110064 or 01586 550453
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[Kintyre Forum News]

Just found out Friday's opening is by invite only so apologies for any confusion. However, the exhibition will run from 9th July - 30th July 2011. See viewtopic.php?f=12&t=12285&p=112965#p112965 for more details