Mon 25th January 2010

Barony Centre 2010

The Barony Project Team rounded off the last year’s activities by selecting the Lead Consultant who will be responsible for completing the detailed design and project managing the construction phase of the Barony Centre. A short list of six extremely strong candidates was interviewed mid-December and WKCIL is delighted to have secured the services of Kevin Cooper, Director of the Glasgow office of Archial Architects, and his talented and experienced team. 

Barony Project Team Leader Angus Kerr, local resident and recently retired Director of BDP, one of this country’s highly respected architectural practices, said “Kevin is a Director in the Glasgow Office of one of the largest group of Architects in the UK. He has specialised for many years in the design of Community projects - in particular Education buildings - which have won several awards. This year his Office was recognised by winning the Scottish 'Oscar' for Architecture, the RIAS Andrew Doolan Award - worth £25,000. Kevin lives with his wife Cathy in West Kilbride in a house that they jointly designed and which won a coveted Saltire Society Award...will his next Award be for the completed Barony Project - we confidently expect so!”

Kevin and his colleagues have already begun work on the detailed design scheme, with refinements to the plans already creating a buzz of excitement within the Barony Project Team. Kevin’s enthusiasm for the project and commitment to the village is clear in his reaction to the practice’s selection, “Archial Architects are delighted to be involved in this interesting and innovative project. We are confident that the project will become a real catalyst for the further development of West Kilbride as an innovative centre for craft in Scotland. We are enjoying working with a creative and inspiring project team, and we sincerely hope that our developing design will reflect this creative collaboration in a genuinely exciting and stimulating project, ultimately resulting in a revitalised building that is of great benefit to the entire community”

WKCIL is sensitive to the role the building has played as a church and burial ground over centuries and Headland Archaeology (UK) Ltd, who have significant expertise in working on Church sites, have been commissioned to survey the area and record the information for future historians and local residents.

 

 

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Wed 13th January 2010

Craft Town Scotland Features on Newsnight Scotland

West Kilbride's role as Craft Town Scotland was once again highlighted on national television. Maggie Broadley, Craft Development Manager, was interviewed by Ian Hamilton for Newsnight Scotland as part of his investigation into the current status of the  Scottish craft sector. The programme focused on four people representative of those organisations and individuals working to  safeguard craft skills and also active in the promotion of  Scottish craft, both at home and internationally.

Ian also interviewed Michael McManus, a craft worker who describes himself as working with wood in a sculptural way; Richard Green, Mananging Director of 3D/2D, an organisation which selects, presents and promotes a national programme of quality craft fairs; and Emma Walker, Chief Executive of Craftscotland and responisble for developing and delivering the highly influential  The C Word campaign. (Featured on our Newspage last Autumn )

The feature is available on the BBC iPlayer until 21st January 2010 (UK only).

The Crafts item is 12 mins into the programme.

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Fri 13th November 2009

Lucky Friday 13th for Community Craft Initiative

West Kilbride Community Initiative has secured a significant investment of £431,729 from the Town Centre Regeneration Fund (TCRF), a Scottish Executive scheme to revitalise town centres.

The bid, submitted by Maggie Broadley Craft Development Manager at the end of August, was made up of three separate elements; the development of The Barony Centre; the replacement of the WK Village Hall heating system; and the purchase and upgrade the WK Initiative Centre.  The Barony Centre, once operational, will attract over 20,000 visitors a year, with the increase in footfall and visitor spend having a beneficial effect throughout the town’s retail and service businesses.

Eddie Wood, Chairperson of WKCIL, was delighted to welcome Alex Neil, Scottish Minister for Housing and Communities, who came to West Kilbride on Friday morning to make the announcement.

“I’d like to thank the Minister for coming to Ayrshire, we were all delighted that he took time from what is a very busy schedule to meet with us.  Alex Neil was really interested in what the community has planned for the future and congratulated us on our success, saying ours was an extremely good project”

Accompanied by Kenneth Gibson, MSP for Cunninghame North, the Minister met with Eddie Wood, Maggie Broadley, and Angus Kerr, member of the  Barony Project Team, at The Gallery for a brief introduction to the background of the Initiative and the development of the Craft Town. 

Joined by Councillor David O’Neill, Leader of North Ayrshire Council and Justina Murray, who  endorsed the WKCIL bid on behalf of North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership, everyone then visited the old Barony Church to see the redevelopment plans ‘on site’.

Maggie Broadley called Margaret Park, Chairperson of the WK Village Hall Users Group to deliver the good news.  Well known for her dedication to improving the hall, Margaret took a little convincing that the call was not a dream! “This is a tremendous boost, Village Halls are difficult to find funding for and the committee have been looking to replace the original heating system, which is inefficient and expensive to run.  The new heating system will significantly reduce our carbon footprint and the running costs of the building”

Eddie Wood would like to take the opportunity to  thank Kenneth Gibson MSP for his ongoing support for the Initiative, his enthusiasm has been very much appreciated.

Hot on the heels of the announcement of the Big Lottery Fund award, this takes financial investment secured for the village in the last month alone to £1,337,883.

Maggie Broadley said “To have the endorsement of both the Big Lottery Fund and the Town Centre Regeneration Fund award is a real testament to the dedication and innovation displayed by local people over the years. The TCRF bids were assessed by an  Independent Advisory Panel - Mr Alan Wilson, for many years the Chief Executive of the Scottish Council for Development and Industry, Ms Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, and Mr Rory Mair, Chief Executive of COSLA. We are extremely proud of the fact that ours was selected in the face of what has been described as “ferocious competition” from across Scotland”.

(Kenenth GIbson MSP, Maggie Broadley and Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil, who announced WKCIL's success earlier today)

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Fri 13th November 2009

West Kilbride Secures Town Centre Regeneration Funding

Local MSP Kenneth Gibson expressed his delight at the award of £431,720 from the second £20 million tranche of funding from the Scottish Government’s £60 million Town Centre Regeneration Fund.

Earlier this year £40 million was allocated, including £397,678 awarded to Cumbrae Community Development Company, to help transform town centre high streets and create jobs.  Overall, the Fund supports nearly 1,000 jobs across Scotland.

The money secured for West Kilbride amounts to £296,290 for the redevelopment of the old Barony Church, £103,491 for West Kilbride Village Hall and £31,958 for the purchase and upgrade of a property to assist its continuing development as a Craft Town.

Mr Gibson said:

 “This is tremendous news for West Kilbride and will help create a more attractive town centre for local residents and visitors.

“The Barony Church is owned by West Kilbride Community Initiative Limited (WKCIL) who will re-develop the building to create a craft exhibition venue, retail outlet, workshop spaces, café and preserve a C listed building.

“There is a determination to employ people from North Ayrshire wherever possible and extensive research has shown that these projects will more than double the number of visitors to the town, attracting additional retail and service businesses and creating and sustaining jobs.” 

Making the announcement in WK, Communities Minister Alex Neil MSP said:

"It's vital we support innovative public and private sector companies and community groups to move forward with ideas that will support local jobs, businesses and families so that we come out of this recession in the strongest possible position. This is a fantastic initiative and one the Scottish Government is very pleased to support.” 

(Kenneth Gibson MSP and Michael Russell Scottish Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution discuss the Barony Plans on a recent visit to West Kilbride. Image by Stuart Nimmo, Photographer.)

Mon 26th October 2009

Community Craft Initiative Scoops Major Lottery Award

The Directors of West Kilbride Community Initiative Limited WKCIL were absolutely delighted this week when the Big Lottery announced their decision to award £870,560 from the Growing Community Assets programme towards the  development of the former Barony Church into a cutting edge Craft Centre.  After over a year of planning and meticulous preparation by the Barony Project Team, the Lottery Committee recognised the quality of the scheme and the inspiration it would be both locally and nationally by approving one of the largest grants made in Scotland.  This award provides significant recognition for the outstanding application, the imaginative development of the building and the enormous community benefit which the planned  activities will be able to provide.

The application was prepared by Craft Development Manager, Maggie Broadley, who was praised for her dogged determination to succeed in achieving a grant from the Big Lottery. Known for her commitment to West Kilbride, Maggie’s professional background in craft work gave insight, breadth and depth to the application but the perseverance and foresight  of local people were the inspiration behind the vision. Dedicated to making West Kilbride a better place to live work and visit, this initiative has been led by local residents, people with a passionate belief in the regeneration of  their  small rural town.

Maggie said of her five years working alongside the WKCIL. "No one could help but be inspired by the spirit of everyone involved, these people are true heroes who aren’t just content to sit back and watch the community die.  The support given since I came here in 2004 has been tremendous"

The actual design of the building was influenced by local resident and nationally renowned architect Angus Kerr and the completed building will provide a magnet of interest across Scotland.  The elevated studio pods will stand proudly above a spacious exhibition area and the completed piece will be a fitting next step in the journey of this much loved building.  There is no doubt that the community owned building has been saved by this initiative.

Developments are already underway and will be established when the building is completed.  Steps are being taken to engage many groups in the planning of activities and in managing the Centre.  The purpose built facilities will take Craft Town Scotland to a new level and will involve highly renowned crafters exhibiting their work, and leading workshops with the very youngest to the very oldest members of our communities.  It is intended to attract visitors from many areas and local transport is readily available both by bus and train.  Plans are also being discussed for further parking for cars and coaches.

Eddie Wood, Chairperson of WKCIL said “There is still work to be done to secure the match funding but the Directors believe the development of this Centre will play a significant part in securing the long term future of the village. I would like to thank everyone who has supported us, with special mention to our local fundraisers.”

The Barony Centre will provide a national and local focus and will increase interest in the town for the already established craft studios and local traders.  No one is being complacent about the challenges ahead but as local groups network together, and complement each others activities, the future is definitely growing and glowing.

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Thu 24th September 2009

craftscotland Launches 'C' Word Campaign

Today saw the launch of the 'C' Word campaign, a highly ambitious marketing campaign conceived by Emma Walker, Chief Executive of craftscotland, which aims to raise the profiles of makers and their craft, and to encourage potential craft buyers to become craft supporters. A diverse range of makers from around Scotland are participating in the campaign, with many featured in a high profile cinema advert.

craftscotland was set up in 2003 as a Scottish Arts Council project to support the designers, makers and craftspeople of Scotland.

In September 2008 it became an independent organisation and received Scottish charitable status. It has a growing team of permanent staff based in the heart of Edinburgh city centre, and a board of craft and business experts.

As an audience development agency it has two primary functions.

1. To support and work with craft-related businesses from across all areas of Scotland. 

2. To engage with new audiences and to ensure that every person, no matter what their background, status or disposable income, can engage with Scottish contemporary craft.

Emma Walker, Cheif Executive, joined craftscotland in October 2008 from Arts About Manchester, where she focused on audience  development for the North West of England as well as supporting arts organisations in future business planning and creative thinking.

She has worked on a range of diverse projects including In Touch (a project focused on improving access to cultural organisations for Deaf and Disabled people), Revealing Histories:  Remembering Slavery (the Greater Manchester response to the Bicentenary of the Abolition of the British Slave Trade Act) and Open City (a project working with groups of people who do not currently attend cultural events).

Emma describes the motivation behind the 'C' Word launch.

"When I arrived at craftscotland, almost a year ago to the day, I realised very quickly that the contemporary craft sector in Scotland wanted to get involved with new and innovative projects, but a lack of another C word, namely confidence, was standing in the way.

Within the first few weeks I had spoken to over a hundred makers who were brilliantly talented, highly creative and ambitious for their futures. However, every conversation I had with them was about the long-debated question “What is Craft?” – a question asked time and time again in industry research. I had been in the sector three weeks and I was already frustrated and bored of the debate.

The final straw was when I read the transcripts from a recent consultation group where makers talked of, and I quote, ‘turning their back on The C Word’. Call me naïve, but I couldn't believe what I was reading. There I was, sitting in my office in Edinburgh worrying about my Grandma who had recently been diagnosed with cancer, the most vicious of C words. The world was hurtling towards a recession and the newspapers were full of two c words, credit and crunch. The only C Word that made me feel invigorated and energised was craft, and here were makers – crafters – talking of removing themselves from the connotations of it.

And that's when The C Word was born. Craft, contrary to popular belief or the tired and lacklustre marketing campaigns that so often surround it, is one of the most urgent of art forms. It demands attention - and from now on it's going to get it. We want to inject confidence into the sector, raise the profile of makers and their craft, and encourage the potential buyers to become craft supporters.

The contemporary craft sector has many faces – affordable and aspirational, functional and curatorial, a weekend shopping spree or an investment piece. However one thing remains the same – The C Word is most definitely craft.”

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Sat 29th August 2009

Ministerial Visit Supports Local Developments (i)

West Kilbride Initiative Board gained welcome interest and support from Scottish Government Minister Michael Russell  when he paid a visit to the Village Gallery, Craft Studios and Barony on Saturday morning.  Mr Russell is responsible for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution.  He has a particular interest in the arts and was yet again impressed by the quality of the new craft exhibition and the work of resident crafters.

 

The visit comes at a significantly important time.  All local residents and traders are being leafleted to ask for regular donations to support the village regeneration which has resulted from the many and varied Initiative projects.  Without this financial support from the community then developments will suffer and the progress gained so far would be significantly reduced.

 

Accompanied by local MSP Kenneth Gibson, Minister for Culture Michael Russell complimented the Initiative Board on their enterprising outlook and the standards they had achieved.

 

Maggie Broadley, Craft Town Manager, was pleased to inform the Minister that North Ayrshire Council had granted planning permission for the daring refurbishment of the  Barony into a cutting edge craft exhibition space with education workshop areas. After submitting a detailed application to the Big Lottery in May, an assessment visit took place in July. The bid will now go forward to the Lottery Committee at the end of October and it is hoped that success will be found here also.

Image by Stuart Nimmo, Professional Photographer

Left to right: Elenora Prentice (Gallery Volunteer), Kay Hall (Chair Environment al Group/ Craft Town Committee), Jean Kerr (Gallery Volunteer/ Craft Town Committee), Kenneth Gibson MSP, Michael Russell MSP (Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution), Maggie Broadley (Craft Development Manager ) Ronnie Bell (WKCIL Treasurer)

Sat 29th August 2009

Minister Visit Supports Local Developments (ii)

During his visit to West Kilbride Scottish Government Minister Michael Russell was particularly keen to meet some of the local people who have benefited from living and working in West Kilbride. 

Lorna Reid, “Chookiebirdie”, opened her Studio and Gallery in the Main Street of West Kilbride in late 2007.  Lorna designs and hand produces her collection of contemporary home accessories and gifts.

“I have been a self employed textile designer since I graduated from the Scottish College of Textiles in Galashiels with a degree in Printed Textile Design in 1992. For 15 years I worked in printed surface design - and had a successful career specialising in swimwear and childrenswear. My bold Hawaiian style floral prints were especially popular in USA and Japan and I sold to a range of clients including Pringle - Scotland, Jones - New York and Louis Vuitton – Paris.”

The Minister and his wife were very interested to hear how Lorna and her husband had come to live in West Kilbride, attracted by the vibrant and positive community spirit in the village.

“My husband and I moved to West Kilbride in the summer of 2003. We were attracted by the vibrant and positive community spirit in the village as an ideal place to bring up our young family and particularly given  my career the focus on craft and design.

The Craft Town Initiative has since given me the opportunity to develop my career providing me with the space, support and resources to establish myself as a designer/maker – which was a long held career ambition.

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Sat 15th August 2009

Graduate Focus at The Gallery

Our latest exhibition at the gallery opens on Saturday 22nd of August and features the work of three of this summer's graduates from Scotland's Art Schools.

Elaine Scobie

Jewellery

Elaine graduated from the Glasgow School of Art with a BA honours in silversmithing and jewellery.

"My initial idea for the work was carried on from two pieces that I had included in an exhibition that we had at the art school in third year. All the jewellery in this exhibition was designed to relate to the heading Glimpses. The inspiration for these was taken from photograph off-cut strips that I discovered one day whilst developing pictures. I was amazed at the volume of colour ,detail and texture that I found in each strip. Also each strip was personal to the individual whose pictures they came from. This provided an insight into the lives of these people and I thought it seemed appropriate to use this as an idea for the Glimpses project."

Gill Ross

Illustration & Jewellery

Gill graduated from the Jewellery and Metal Design Department of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, Dundee.

"A passion for drawing has given my work a strong illustrative quality. Often I am struck by traditional architecture and how its quirky characteristics vary from place to place. Using photography, drawing and painting, I aim to capture the characteristics of these kooky buildings such as the subtle markings on weathered stones.

Translating these drawings and paintings into jewellery, etching allows for me to draw directly onto the metal and use of enamel gives my work hints of colour, relating these pieces back to my paintings."

Juliet Buchanan-Jardine

Printed Textiles

Juliet graduated from Edinburgh College of Art in 2009

"After working at Chelsea Harbour Design Centre in London last summer, I have been inspired by all the high-end companies such as Romo, Cole and Son and Zoffany, by the style and elegance of their prints.

My degree collection is a variety of wallpapers and fabrics aimed at the high end of the interior furnishing market for both city and country homes."

Gillian Rae

Ceramics

Gillian graduated from the Ceramics Department of the Glasgow School of Art.  Sadly this departmet is being closed by GSA Manangement, which will leave Scotland without a dedicated Ceramics degree course.

Her work focuses on multiples using a combination of ceramic techniques.

The show also features work from established makers Helaina Sharpley and Ruth E Jones.

Helaina Sharpley

Wirework

Helaina Sharpley is a designer-maker producing elegant 2D and 3D wire sculptures/illustrations. After graduating from Herefordshire College of Art and Design, with a BA (honours) degree in Design Crafts, in 2006, Helaina returned home and now works from her studio in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.

"I have always liked a nice cup of tea! However, it wasn't until I started my degree course, that I realised I had such a passion verging on obsession, for everything tea related. I believe tea is a drink for every occasion, from a homely, comforting cuppa, to a proper English afternoon tea. Therefore every tea set every mug or cup and saucer can tell a different tale. I began looking into the Victorian and Edwardian eras, when tea drinking was a refined and elegant occasion."

Ruth Jones

Ceramics

"I live and work in Dumfries & Galloway, South West Scotland where I produce sculptural and hand-thrown ceramics. I am also a lecturer and community artist.

Hand-thrown Range I also produce and range of historically inspired thrown forms. Hand-thrown on a traditional kick wheel this range reflects my interest in historical ceramics. Decorated with specially prepared brightly coloured earthenware glazes"

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Sat 18th July 2009

Festival Exhibition Opening

    We are delighted to feature the work of one of Scotland's respected artists, Sandy Murphy

“From his home and studio in West Kilbride Sandy pursues an intensely single-minded passion for paint and its involvement in his visual response to his native Ayrshire landscape. A pupil of Robertson, Shanks and Rae at Glasgow, Sandy’s richly textured oils have clear antecedents in Ghillies and Eardley. His intimate, carefully considered works stand comparison with the best works of both these masters of Scottish painting.”

 

Sandy Murphy is a contemporary Scottish artist and was born in Ayrshire, Scotland in 1956. He studied at Glasgow School of Art from 1976 until 1980, when he graduated with an honours degree. He completed a teacher training course and taught in Ayrshire schools until 1985. At this point he took the decision to paint professionally, full time.

 

Since turning his back on teaching, he has had numerous solo exhibitions in galleries across Scotland and England. These include Roger Billcliffe Fine Art Gallery, Glasgow, Panter and Hall, London, Waterford Gallery, Hale, Gatehouse Gallery, Glasgow, Open Eye Gallery, Edinburgh, Thompsons Gallery, London, John Davies Fine Art, Stow-on-the-Wold. Other galleries in which he has exhibited include Flying Colours, London, Frames Gallery, Perth, Lemon Tree Gallery, Cornwall and Walker Gallery, Harrogate.

 

He was elected to the Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolours (RSW) in 1996 and the Royal Glasgow Institue of the Fine Arts (RGI) in 2000.

 

Ceramics is represented by Julia Smith and Cambellfirth, with jewellery by Anne de Ville

 

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