Oak Gall Interventions: The Art of Concealment.

Commissioned Artist with Edinburgh Printmakers exhibition reflective Histories at Traquair House, Innerleithen, Scotland

with artists Rachel Mclean, Calum Colvin, Duncan Robertson, Helen Douglas, Nicola Murray and Lesley Logue

Reflective Histories: Contemporary Interventions at Traquair

1 July - 30 September 2012

Time: Open daily 11am - 5pm

Price: Adults £7.70, Children £4.20

Scottish Borders historic home, Traquair House near Innerleithen is the inspiration for a groundbreaking contemporary art exhibition opening on July 1st.
Titled “Reflective Histories”, the exhibition features a series of new installations and accompanying print works by seven leading contemporary Scottish artists designed to reflect different aspects of the house’s rich and complex heritage.

The exhibition, which is free with entry to Traquair House, will run until the end of September and is accompanied by a three month long events programme featuring interactive workshops, lectures and demonstrations led by the participating artists.

Developed as part of ‘The Year of Creative Scotland 2012’ this is a partnership project between Traquair and Edinburgh Printmakers. “Reflective Histories” features specially commissioned and installed artworks including two large replica size bears cast from an archery target, an intriguing visual display of moth prints only visible under special ultra violet light, beautiful and thought provoking embroidery work on printed silk, a stunning 3d printed unicorn chess piece and an intricate handmade artist book conjuring up all kinds of insights and associations with the contents and history of the house.

The seven artists participating in the project are: Calum Colvin, David Faithfull, Duncan Robertson, Helen Douglas, Lesley Logue, Nicola Murray and Rachel Maclean.
Sarah Price, Director, Edinburgh Printmakers said: “Reflective Histories has been a great opportunity for Edinburgh Printmakers to commission exciting new contemporary artwork in print, the site specific installation pieces particularly demonstrate innovation in the medium.  Working in the context of Traquair House has promoted some of the most exceptional work to be created that I have ever seen in print and I am really proud of what these artists have achieved, these pieces are insightful, well-conceived and draw you into the history of the house in a way that is completely unique and original”.

Catherine Maxwell Stuart, owner of Traqauir commented: “Traquair has a long association with the arts through events such as our Traquair Fair but this is the first time the house will be home to a three-month long exhibition of entirely new artworks inspired by the property itself.  The artists have just visited Traquair to explain to our guides the inspiration behind each work and we are now eager to welcome visitors and showcase the new installations.”

Sarah Price continued: “This exhibition aims not only to increase accessibility to contemporary art but also to show how it can be relevant and engaging for audiences from children right through to seniors. The accompanying workshop program will feature events for people of all ages and the artworks themselves are aimed at having cross-generational appeal. We hope people from far and wide will come to enjoy this unique venture.”

A full colour illustrated catalogue accompanies this project with an introduction by Sarah Price, a foreword by Catherine Maxwell Stuart and an essay by Ruth Pelzer-Montada. This is published by Edinburgh Printmakers and is available to buy from the online shop at www.edinburghprintmakers.co.uk or Traquair’s gift shop.
Also we have a guide for adults and a guide specially created for children which encourages them to explore some of the hidden symbols within the artists works.

For more information about the venue visit www.traquair.co.uk.

Image: David Faithfull - The Art of Concealment