Exhibition draws inspiration from Orkney’s wartime remains

Orkney’s rich wartime heritage is the inspiration behind a new exhibition within the Orkney Museum at Tankerness House, Kirkwall. 

“Look Again: Artistic Response to Orkney’s Wartime Remains” is a collaboration between various artists and features photographs, drawings, paintings, sculpture, and tapestry. 

Look Again was the brainchild of photographer Ian Collins, who invited artists to contribute their work inspired by the defences from two World Wars. As well as Ian there is work by Robin Bownass, Ingrid Budge, Ros Bryant, Katherine Diaper, Catherine Grivas, Rebecca Marr, Cat Moore, Kris Rowell, and Fiona Sanderson. There are also pieces by the late Gunnie Moberg, courtesy of the Orkney Library & Archive. 

Ian Collins said: “This exhibition brings together the work of painters, sculptors, printmakers and photographers, as well as a few lines by George Mackay Brown. It is intended as an acknowledgement of the fact that the physical and social environment of these islands has been profoundly marked by military activity, especially that of the Second World War. 

“The exhibition is also an invitation to remember the circumstances that led to these structures being built and perhaps to consider what efforts should be made to preserve or erase them and the stories associated with them. The works on display will include pieces that reflect on the human cost of conflict and others that seek to find unexpected beauty or harmony in these monumental remains.” 

In addition, the exhibition features a painting by A. R. Woods, the artist who painted the mural in Ness Battery. 

“Look Again: Artistic Response to Orkney’s Wartime Remains” runs from 2 March – 6 April 2024. The Orkney Museum is open Monday to Saturday, 10:30 – 12:30, 13:30 – 17:00. Admission is free. 

(An informal and free public opening is planned for 10.30am on Saturday 2 March, which will include a tour of the exhibition at 11am, led by the Council’s Engagement and Exhibitions Officer, Tom Muir, alongside some of the artists involved.)

Photo caption: Sundial by Fiona Sanderson will feature in the “Look Again: Artistic Response to Orkney’s Wartime Remains” exhibition in the Orkney Museum during March. Picture: Courtesy of Fiona Sanderson.