This a free exhibition showing art works and photos of some of the industries of Caithness. The frontiers of land, sea, wind, oil, peatland, rivers and pastures have supported life and work in Caithness for at least 4000 years. From stone working and farming, through the distilling of whisky’s and herring fishing, to new ways of producing energy, this landscape is home to unique lines of work which local artists have narrated in style.
Artists & Photographers
Artists Caroline Swan, Penny Irvine, Jackie Newton, Eleanor Lee, David Mackay, George Gunn and Meg Telfer show work relating to the industries of Caithness in sculpture, glass work, oil painting, fibre work, felt figures and digital art. Photographers Ally Mack and Katie Budge have produced portraits of community-nominated “Industry Legends”; people and businesses chosen by locals for their great work. Gavin Macqueen and Paul Steven show photos of old and new industries in the Caithness landscape.
Work by local pupils
Around the exhibition, you will see drawings by pupils at local schools. In May this year, storyteller Alex Patience visited 8 local primary schools to tell the students stories of the industries of Caithness. These tales spoke about people lost and found at sea, of the wisdom of the gillie, and accidental voyages to America. Each of the students was asked to produce a piece of art which showed ‘the industry they would like to work in when they are older’. The ambitions of the young people of Caithness are exciting to see, and the quality of the work is a testament to the teachers they have. Thank you to each primary school who took part, and see all of the students’ works in the digital exhibition we will be putting together later in the year.
Rising Artists of Caithness
Ena Kelly, Jess Sutherland, Lorraine Tait, Ava Mackay and Jaiya Sutherland have attended workshops in felt/cotton figure making (with Eleanor Lee), jewellery making (with Lindsey Gallacher), glassblowing (with Ian Pearson), printmaking (with Katie Squires) and acrylic painting and polymer crafting (with Jackie Newton). Over the year, these emerging artists have developed work which is shown in the Industrial Caithness exhibition as well as pursuing their own art careers. it’s been brilliant to watch confidence grow and gorgeous work being produced. Keep an eye out for these guys, and see the work they’re showing in what for some of them is their first time exhibiting art. Well done guys, and all the best for your future!
Crafts Day – Weds 10th
On Wednesday 10th July, the exhibition will open up to local crafters, inviting them to set up a table in the Ross Institute. Come along between 1pm – 5pm to see what’s on.
Storytelling Events
Storytelling events will run throughout the week in the exhibition space. Each session will narrate stories of work and life in Caithness. Jane Mather will run events on Tuesday 2nd July for primary-aged children with slate decorating activities. Alex Patience will run a session on Friday 5th July suitable for young people and grown ups where a skill will be shared. On Thursday 11th in the evening, Griogair MacAllein will unpick intriguing tales from recent history – we’d recommend booking a table at the Ulbster Arms after this session well in advance if that’s where you’d like to eat! On Saturday 13th July Doreen Leith of Wick Voices will elaborate on ‘Winds of Change’, a session on the power producing industries of Caithness through time. These are free sessions and you can book your space below. Booking a space guarantees a seat being put out for you, but walk-ins are welcome too.
Surf n Turf for young children with Jane Mather
Surf n Turf for older children with Jane Mather
Tuesday 2nd July
11.30am – 12.30pm
Jane will share tales of fishing, farming and a few magical creatures! We’ll talk about another historic industry in our craft activity: Decorating a wee bit of Caithness flagstone to take home.
Coastworks for the sma’ and ta’ with Alex Patience
Friday 5th July
1pm – 3pm
Stories of work on the the Caithness land and coast with Alex Patience. Try your hand at an industry craft as well while you’re at it.
Winds of Change with Doreen Leith
Saturday 13th July
11am – 12pm
From peat-cutting, through oil refineries and to the wind turbines, Doreen will give a presentation on the power industries of Caithness.