Late c19, Nicol’s Vulcan Works Aberdeen, James Nicol his family and workers.
Over several generations both sides of my family came from upper Donside, and in time, settled in Aberdeen. On my mother’s side were engineers and blacksmiths, while her father was a stained glass artist. Among my early memories are visits to Nicol’s Vulcan Works to watch my uncle welding and forging metal.
1998
Masterclass in preparation for Richard Demarco’s staging of their opera ‘Euorpa’ for the Edinburgh Festival. AW standing centre, Sofia Kalinska (Tadeusz Kantor’s lead actress) front right. The team included Ariel Dorfmann (writing), Nigel Osbourn (music), Sofia Kalinska (drama), AW (props & costume)
Photo: Richard Demarco, Demarco Digital Archive.
Early 2000
Moved to 5 Park View, Arbroath, where, for the first time, there was extensive working space both inside and out.
2000
Cutting one of the woodblocks for Memoria based on a photograph by Peter A Hall. The finished print on calico was made with assistance from Michael Waight.
Photo: Michael Waight.
Late 2000
Opening of the work, A History of Scottish Performance, at Aberdeen Maritime Museum, as part of the exhibition, Singing for Dead Singers, which continued at Aberdeen Art Gallery and three further venues in the city.
Photo: Arthur Watson.
2004
Working with Will Maclean on the pattern for our bronze sculpture Crannghal for Sabhal mor Ostaig, the Gaelic College on the Isle of Skye. The pattern was made over an extended period at the Scottish Sculpture Workshop and cast with foundryman, Eden Jolly who also supervised the installation. The image shows Will Maclean patinating the finished bronze.
Photo: Arthur Watson
2005
Installing Northing & Easting (extended) at the exhibition, The Sea, curated by Bill Scott & Colin Greenslade for the Royal Scottish Academy. From left to right: Mariota Spens, Michael Spens (editor, Studio International), Colin Greenslade ( RSA Director), Janet McKenzie Spens, (author & art critic), David Maclean (artist/musician).
Photo: Andy Rice.
2007
Engineers installing the first phase of the Cairn Gorm Art Project. The ring of text details climbers’ routes up cliffs illustrated on screen printed panels, developed from photographs, by Andy Rice.
Image from documentary footage, Cairn Gorm Mountain.
2009
Moved into a new building in Perth. On the ground floor is the office of Fergus Purdie, Architect, and on the upper two floors studio, library, and minimal living space. We also redeveloped a late 18th century building (bought complete with demolition order) at the back of the site, giving workshop and storage space.
Photos: Andy Rice.
2010
The installation At The Court of King Arthur, by polish artist, Magdalena Abakanowicz. One of ten installations by four Scots and six Europeans who had been promoted by Richard Demarco. The exhibition, Richard Demarco, Scotland & the European Avant Garde was curated with Euan McArthur for the Royal Scottish Academy.
Photo: Chris Park.
2012-18
Elected 21st president of the Royal Scottish Academy of Art & Architecture.
L-R: Gareth Fisher (Treasurer), Paul Furneaux, Jacki Parry, AW, Marion Smith (Secretary), Joyce Cairns (Deputy President)