The Gallery is currently closed to the public but if you are interested in purchasing any of the work on display please email gallery@alnwickplayhouse.co.uk and we will arrange delivery after the exhibition
Autumn Exhibition
Gillian Lee Smith – Fine Artist
Hilary Durie – Ceramics
29th September – 9th November
Gillian Lee Smith
Exploring the lost and found, the past and how it has shaped us, connection and heritage – these are themes in the work of local artist Gillian Lee Smith
Originally completing a degree in Performance Costume from Edinburgh College of Art, Gillian graduated in 2005. Now focussing on 2d work she combines her love of history, community, people and their connection with the land and sea
“The atmosphere in a landscape is a huge inspiration, particularly the places that mark the edges between land and sea. Where houses and villages and harbours are rooted in and belong to the surrounding hills and coastline. Built in such a way that they appear to have always been there. The places that still bear the marks of times gone by, the structures and shapes, all have a wonderful character that is really compelling. There is a sense of history, perhaps a melancholic way of reminding us of what has long since passed, what we have lost in many ways.
There are specific elements in these places that resonate, like memories. The repeated lines of the boat masts, the mark of the tide and ladders and lines on harbour walls, the windows and doorways of old fishing cottages. These are elements that are added into the work, removing them and reworking them time and time again until they are buried and unearthed again through the process of painting”
Gillian exhibits locally and nationally and is currently working on an ambitious art project which will continue into 2021 and beyond titled ‘The Lost and the Left Behind’
Hilary Durie
After a career in teaching following a degree at Goldsmiths’ College London Hilary is now focusing on developing a range of ceramics and paintings based on her personal response to the landscape
The strata range is created using textured and smooth black clay, enhanced with inlaid porcelain strands, stains, slips and glazes. The larger pieces are all hand-built using coils and all ware in the strata range are stoneware fired.
“My work is influenced by time spent in Scandinavia and Scotland, as well as Northumberland where home is”
Presented here are pieces from her Strata collection featuring lamp bases and pots
