GMB100 public art formally opens with nod to refugee week

George Mackay Brown enthusiasts are invited to attend a poignant formal opening this International Refugee Week of 'Travellers', the public art installation commissioned for the centenary of the writer's birth.

The opening will take place between 2pm and 3pm on 25 June at the George Mackay Brown (GMB) Memorial Garden, Ness Road, Stromness. (Poor weather alternative venue will be the John Rae room in Warehouse Buildings/Stromness Library).

The ceremony will include a reading of GMB’s 'To the Tibetan Refugees'.

Local poet Gabrielle Barnby was appointed alongside visual artist Orla Stevens to bring the GMB100 public artwork to fruition explains:

"Many people associate GMB's writing with folklore and with themes of the sea. But he wrote extensively and compassionately about travellers and refugees, and that forms a huge part of this installation - and it's of course very topical at the moment."

The artwork, commissioned by Orkney Islands Council as part of overall GMB100 activities marking the centenary of the writer’s birth, was erected in the GMB Community Garden in Stromness, with the blessing of the Stromness Community Council.

The garden itself forms part of the GMB Trail, a project by Orkney Arts Society aimed at providing an insight into the people and places that shaped and inspired George’s work.

Taking the form of a bench, the installation is designed to offer a place where people can sit and reflect on GMB – in a scenic spot he was known to enjoy himself.

The artwork draws on old maritime materials – oars, tillers and boat hooks - kindly donated by the Orkney Historic Boat Society (OHBS). These are embellished by Orla with words of young people from Kirkwall Grammar School who worked with Gaby exploring themes of friendship, the sea, and travelling which run throughout GMBs work.

It also features original text from several poems within GMB’s final posthumous collection 'Travellers'.

Emma Gee is Orkney Islands Council’s Arts Officer: “There are so many people who’ve helped guide this artwork, and this is a chance to celebrate their involvement during a week which marks a cause close to George’s heart and writings. The event will also be in support of the Ukraine appeal, and members of the public are warmly invited to come along.”

Orkney Islands Convener – and Stromness local - Graham Bevan said: “I’m so pleased to see this commission complete and that it both reflects and offers a space for people to reflect on George Mackay Brown’s work.”

The artwork was funded through Orkney Islands Council’s Culture Fund, and supported by a project panel including representatives from VisitScotland, Voluntary Action Orkney and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

Find out more about the artwork on the Public Arts section of our website.