19/07/2012
The work of George Wyllie MBE, arguably one of Scotland’s most celebrated and unusual artists, has gone on display at the Scottish Parliament.
The artist, who died earlier this year, was revered for provoking thought and discussion rather than providing answers.
The sculptures have been installed in the Parliament’s Garden and include:
- Cradle;
- Contemplace;
- Eco-bucket;
- Studio;
- Train of the standing stones;
- A maquette of the Berlin Burd.
Tours of Wyllie’s sculptures will be open to the public and can be booked in July, August and September.
The life and work of the artist is currently being commemorated in a year-long celebration in what would have been his 90th year. Initiated by The Friends of Wyllie the celebration is aptly named the Whysman Festival.
The sculptures will be installed in the Parliament Garden until October.
More information
More information on the tours, which must be booked in advance, is available from Visitor Services on 0131 348 5200 or email [email protected].
Background on culture at Holyrood
Artwork and sculptures can be seen throughout the Parliament and adds another dimension to the building, in line with the original intention that the Parliament should embody the unique spirit and character of the Scottish nation.
The Scottish Parliament is also hosting a number of events that promote arts and culture in Scotland:
5 to 28 July 2012: World Press Photo Exhibition:
Photographer Samuel Aranda of Spain won this year’s prestigious World Press Photo Award for his moving image of a woman holding her wounded son in her arms, following clashes in Yemen by demonstrators protesting against the rule of President Ali Abdullah Saleh. See his photograph and other award-winning images of world events on display for the first time in the UK.
13 to 14 August: Edinburgh International Culture Summit:
The Edinburgh International Culture Summit will take place at the Scottish Parliament and will debate the power of culture in forging and fostering international relationships and dialogue between nations. The Summit is a collaboration between the Scottish Government, the UK Government, the Edinburgh International Festival and the British Council. It will bring together Culture Ministers with prominent artists, thinkers and others involved in developing and implementing cultural policy.
10 to 31 August: Special Delivery: The William Wallace letters:
A 700-year-old letter believed to have been in the possession of William Wallace will go on display alongside the famous Lübeck letter. This unique exhibition at the Scottish Parliament has been developed in partnership with the National Records of Scotland.
17, 18, 24, 25 August: Festival of Politics:
Former Prime Minister Rt. Hon Gordon Brown MP will headline the eighth Festival of Politics at the Scottish Parliament in delivering the inaugural Campbell Christie Lecture. This year’s festival includes a four-day programme of politics, music, art, theatre, literature and debate under the theme of ‘Politics. Culture. Creativity. A Force for Positive Change’.
- Picture: Eco Bucket, artwork by George Wyllie