Glasgow born George Wyllie, one of Scotland’s most beloved artists, has been celebrated in the town he made his home, Greenock, with the Wyllieum – a bright and airy new space dedicated to his work and legacy.
Overlooking the surrounding hills and the spectacular Firth of Clyde at Customs Quay in Greenock, the submarine grey building houses the purpose-built gallery designed by renowned Scottish architect Richard Murphy OBE, its breathtaking marine view reminiscent of the one enjoyed at Margate’s Turner Gallery. The inaugural exhibition, George Wyllie: Spires brings together, for the first time, the largest selection of Spires created by Wyllie ever shown in a single exhibition, alongside previously unseen archival documents, photographs and drawings. The new dedicated museum will showcase Wyllie’s work and legacy, hosting a rolling display of exhibitions and displays of art that connect to Wyllie by outlook or ethos.
George Wyllie’s Spires, co-curated by Wyllieum Director Will Cooper, whose enthusiasm for the project is almost palpable, and sculptor Sara Barker, are amongst the most considered and well-developed bodies of work produced during his career. First appearing in his ground-breaking 1982 live work, A Day Down a Goldmine, these unique and simple sculptural forms hold a thoughtful quality that draw focus to a moment in time.
George Wyllie’s sense of social justice and equality was informed by his experiences as a younger man through the socialist principles of Glasgow workers. Only becoming a full-time artist in his late fifties, he went on to produce memorable public works such as the Straw Locomotive in 1987 and Paper Boat of the Origami Line in 1989 that were such powerful statements about the loss of major industry in his home town of Glasgow.
Flooded with light, the Wyllieum shows small models of both of these works among other iconic pieces from his catalogue and the permanent collection display of items from the George Wyllie Estate with the year-round programme including two temporary exhibitions showcasing Wyllie’s practice. Alongside this is an addition that is a considered asset and a real long term community investment – a room with dovecote spaces that will display work by local children, encouraging parents and wider family to experience the pleasure of this stunning new public space.
In keeping with Wyllie’s own ethos, The Wyllieum is a free space for visitors. It houses a shop specialising in goods developed by The George Wyllie Estate that, like George Wyllie himself, are witty and quirky. On the upper floor of the building is Scott’s, a swanky new restaurant run by local entrepreneurs Buzzworks.
With luck, the sight of the Wyllieum will entice curious cruise passengers willing to step from the herd to see the remarkable work of a thoughtful and anarchic son of the famous River Clyde, whose forever questioning work made profound political statements through familiar objects.
The Wyllieum, just a short walk along the promenade from the Beacon Arts Centre, is a spectacular new asset for Inverclyde in particular and Scotland in general, giving suitable honour to one of her most gifted sons. A wonderful reminder that ‘The sun still shines.’
Venue address:
The Wyllieum
Greenock Ocean Terminal
Custom House Way
Greenock
PA15 1EG
Dates:
26th April – 11th August 2024
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 