The Argyll Collection, From Dawn 'Til Dusk

"We are delighted to be part of the Argyll Aspires project. We are keen to develop heritage opportunities for young people across Argyll and Bute, using our collection to co-curate an exhibition with pupils in Rothesay Joint Campus. Young people will work with museum and gallery professionals to research, interpret and exhibit a collection of artworks, in order to develop skills and gain an understanding of career opportunities in the arts and heritage sector." Madeleine Conn, Cultural Coordinator, Argyll and Bute Council

The Argyll Collection is a unique art collection of great cultural significance, established between 1960 and 1990 as a learning resource for the young people of Argyll and Bute, by the former Argyll County Council. The collection includes many notable modern Scottish artists, including Joan Eardley, Elizabeth Blackadder and Anne Redpath, and a significant collection of mid-century African art. Jim Tyre, an art advisor for Argyll County Council, and the renowned author Naomi Mitchison collected artworks to enable young people to experience fine art across the wide, largely rural spread of Argyll, with otherwise little access to museums and galleries. The collection is currently managed by Argyll and Bute Council Education Department, and is exhibited in high schools and libraries across Argyll and Bute.

Dawn ‘til Dusk, at Mount Stuart, June 2023, Credit CHARTS (10)

"I am delighted to be a Project Manager for Argyll Aspires. I have lived and worked in Argyll and Bute for over 20 years, as an Art Teacher in Lochgilphead and Dunoon, and also as a Cultural Coordinator across the region. Living in the region, I quickly became aware of the vastness of Argyll and Bute and the barriers that we have when it comes to accessing Culture, Heritage and the Arts. This experience has developed my passion for supporting projects which allow young people to gain access to working in the Cultural sector’’ Lucy McAra Neish, Argyll Aspires Project Manager, CHARTS

“My plan had two edges: one was purely artistic. But the other was to build up a Scottish confidence, a sense of nationhood, something a civilized person could be proud of.” Naomi Mitchison, Times Educational Supplement 1966

"Working with Rothesay Academy pupils on this exhibition has been a fantastic way to animate and champion the Argyll Collection. We hope what we have all learned can suggest ways to continue working with and supporting the Collection." Morven Gregor, Curator of Contemporary and Learning, Mount Stuart Trust

Dawn ‘til Dusk, at Mount Stuart, June 2023, Credit CHARTS (8)

Dawn ‘til Dusk, at Mount Stuart, June 2023, Credit CHARTS (7)

Dawn ‘til Dusk, at Mount Stuart, June 2023, Credit CHARTS (16)

Dawn ‘til Dusk, at Mount Stuart, June 2023, Credit CHARTS (15)

From Dusk Til Dawn, enabled Rothesay Academy pupils to research and learn about how exhibitions are created, working alongside key professionals in their field and to highlight the cultural significance of the council owned Argyll Collection. This offered complex insights into curatorial practice and team work. Charts will further review the ways schools and community interact with the Argyll Collection, in their next Project - The Argyll Collection Reconnected. Including the interpretation of artworks for display and assessment of conservation needs, this project resulted in an exhibition hosted by Mount Stuart.

Dawn ‘til Dusk is part of CHARTS Argyll Aspires project, made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and supported by Mount Stuart, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, The Argyll Collection and Argyll and Bute Council.

Dawn ‘til Dusk, at Mount Stuart, June 2023, Credit CHARTS (4)

Dawn ‘til Dusk, at Mount Stuart, June 2023, Credit CHARTS (5)

Dawn ‘til Dusk, at Mount Stuart, June 2023, Credit CHARTS

Dawn ‘til Dusk, at Mount Stuart, June 2023, Credit CHARTS (2)

Dawn ‘til Dusk, at Mount Stuart, June 2023, Credit CHARTS (1)

Dawn ‘til Dusk, at Mount Stuart, June 2023, Credit CHARTS (3)