Awaken, The Argyll Collection

The Argyll Collection is a nationally outstanding collection of 179 artworks, established between 1960 and 1990 by the former local authority as a unique learning resource for the young people of Argyll and Bute. In 2023, CHARTS launched The Argyll Collection, Reconnected, supported by project manager Rosalyn McKenna and research manager Kirsty MacNab, to simultaneously explore both the current and former educational and social life of the artworks. The Argyll Collection, Reconnected, explores the cultural significance of a collection of artworks built from an idea first conceived over sixty years ago. The Collection is unique in the UK for its forward-thinking concept and transient composition; this moveable collection is located throughout Scotland’s second largest region, currently in 13 schools and 2 libraries, including four islands and mainland Argyll. 

Aiming to increase awareness of its educational and contemporary cultural value through the project The Argyll Collection, Reconnected, CHARTS’ Exhibition Trainee, Lily Vaughan, has developed 'Awaken, The Argyll Collection' as part of her traineeship, which has been made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and assessed by Rewards Training Scotland. In celebration of Lily's achievement, CHARTS hosted an opening evening on Thursday, 11th April, at Dunoon Burgh Hall.

During her traineeship, Lily has explored various curatorial styles and conducted research into the collection. For Awaken, Lily developed a sensory curatorial experience inviting visitors to explore art through their five senses. Lily drew out sensory aspects of the selected paintings, embroideries, ceramics, and prints from The Argyll Collection, offering audiences a chance to listen, feel, smell, taste and touch the collection!

Quotes

‘Lily has done a fantastic job curating Awaken. By bringing a fresh approach to the Argyll Collection, she encourages us to explore the artworks through our senses of touch, smell, sight, taste, and sound. It is a real joy to see The Argyll Collection back at the heart of young people’s opportunities and to share the results with the public. I’m sure all who visit will see what a rich future the collection can offer.’- Kirsty MacNab, The Argyll Collection Reconnected Research Manager, CHARTS

‘We have been delighted to engage Lily in this traineeship supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This acts to further enable the original purpose of the collection, in developing educational opportunities for Argyll’s young people’ - Kathleen O’Neill, Director, CHARTS 

‘I hope the exhibition will inspire the young people of Argyll and Bute to learn more about the history of The Argyll Collection (who set it up and why) and the individual artworks included. I have really enjoyed learning about the collection myself; every piece has its own unique story that really helps you connect with the art and the artists. It would be amazing if this exhibition could help bring The Argyll Collection back to the surface and potentially back into teaching young people of Argyll and Bute. The Argyll Collection is so rich with local history and has so much more to offer!’-  Lily Vaughan, Exhibition Trainee, CHARTS

Works on display

‘Waterfall Mull’, Jennifer Hex, The Argyll Collection

‘The Cheerful Troubadour’, Brian Robb, The Argyll Collection 

‘Pale Moon Carpet’, Edward Gage, The Argyll Collection

‘Velvet Cherries’, Bel Cowie, The Argyll Collection 

‘Four Heads’, Natak, The Argyll Collection 

Angry Sea, Ravenna, Edward Gage, The Argyll Collection 

‘June Hedgerow’, Caroline Hemming, The Argyll Collection ‘Waterlillies’, Agnes Miller Parker, The Argyll Collection 

‘Still life with Cup and Saucer’, David Donaldson, The Argyll Collection 

‘Party Table’  Archibald Dunbar McIntosh, The Argyll Collection 

‘Sleck Cow’, Katie Horsman, The Argyll Collection 

‘Eoligarry VI’,  Perpetua Pope, The Argyll Collection 

The Argyll Collection Reconnected was funded by the Art Fund and supported by Argyll and Bute Council, National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Gannochy Trust, Bòrd na Gàidhlig and the William Syson Foundation.