Toy Story

Hello everyone

I have another curious and magical coincidence that I would like to share with you. The other day, whilst out walking Union Gallery hound, Tommy, I came across this little cutey:

A dinky little fire truck sadly seperated from it's owner. It immediately put me in mind of:

This wonderful gem, "Toy Bus", by award winning artist Henry Kondracki.
This sweet painting is of one of Henry's own children's toys. As is this:

"Toy Giraffe" by Henry Kondracki. Brilliant!
Oddly, not long after finding the lonesome fire truck, "Toy Bus" found it's new home. Even better "Toy Bus" will share it's new home with an old friend.......

The cult "Ice Cream Van" by Henry Kondracki. I LOVE happy endings!
Leaving you with this:

Here's a wee snap of Henry Kodracki himself. Happy to learn the news of "Toy Bus" and friends, but rather less impressed with the advances of Union Gallery hound Tommy.

Have a great weekend everyone

Beep Beep!

The Bush That Turns Red

Hello everyone

Something quite special happened at Union Gallery the other day which I wanted to share with you.
I have spent most of the summer fretting about my wildly out of control bush. I apologise to my neighbours who have been very patient about the ever encroaching hedge. I have felt shame everytime someone tried to walk along the pavement whilst dodging the massing branches.
My bush:

On deciding enough was enough, and that it was time to do the right thing, I enlisted the help of my good friend and brilliant landscape gardener Cliff Hall, safe in the knowledge he would show my hedge who's boss.
Cliff, the man who can:

It was hair raising stuff! Especially when he suggested that whilst using a chainsaw you should always be on the look out....for pedestrians.
Sure enough after a bit of elbow grease my bush was tamed and in much more respectable shape. I felt an immediate sense of calm come over me. That my ying and yang had been restored and that I had indeed done the right thing.
The very next day a lovely couple visited the gallery and bought a really special painting that has always been a favourite of mine:

Gorgeous little painting: "The Bush That Turns Red" by award winning artist Olivia Irvine.
A very special couple and a very special painting. I have said before I love happy endings....when magical things happen. I just cannot believe the coincidence of having just trimmed my own bush the day before.
Come in and look at Olivia's and all the other Edinburgh based artists during The Festival.

With the Edinburgh Art Festival in full swing I've decided to throw myself in the deep end. Next week I will be battling with the Festival goers on the Royal Mile. I would like to catch a glimpse of some pipers and get a feel for the party atmosphere......captured lovingly in:

Michael McVeigh's smashing painting, "Parade on Royal Mile".

I shall also be making pit stops to the establishments The Conan Doyle and The Jekyll and Hyde Bar. I would like to make sure they are aware of sculptor John Brazenal's "pop guns".
Check back next week to see some Festival footage....provided I don't get squashed!

Bring on the BIG GUNS!

Hello everyone

And a warm welcome to our latest follower.

Just wanted to let you see a few "behind the scene" photos of what's all been going on at Union Gallery during the Edinburgh Festival.
The long awaited arrival:

The evening before the opening of the festival exhibition, sculptor extraordinaire John Brazenall (background) delivers his amazing "pop guns". Rob has a dangerous aim.

"Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde" by John Brazenall.
Not only is the idea behind these pieces quite brilliant, they are exquisitely executed. The patina finish on the handle of Mr Hyde is absolutely gorgeous. I think it looks like rich walnut. I should also point out that each gun is 1 of 1. That's right people, a ONE OFF CASTING, totally unique!!
They have also created a bit of a stir in the gallery. A few of you have "popped" in to see the pieces. I would encourage you all to come in and have a "shot".
As these chaps have done:

and

Cute. Just so you know, John Brazenall for many years has worked as the chosen fine art bronze founder for the likes of Ian Hamilton Finlay and Julian Schnabel. However, we were interested in John's own work and what he had to offer....sure enough, rather a lot!
Photography of sculpture is always tricky and lucky for us, wonderful Stewart Bremner saved the day again:

Shot on shot. Stewart photographing John Brazenall's "Self Portrait as a Bunh of Tulips".
Just to prove that I have a sense of humour (now and again) I too had a "shot" of the pop guns:

Deadly! Another brilliant image care of Stewart.
Please note that it appears that I am the only one with a decent aim!

Come in to view this exhibition by some of the finest artists living and working in Edinburgh today. You will not be dissapointed.
Time to pop off
x

Action!

Hello eveyone

Thought you might like a look at this fabulous video. It's by my new partner in crime Stewart Bremner.
I spot of behind the scenes action and subsequent opening night....a lot of wine was enjoyed!

I would also like to invite you all along to a talk by award winning artist Philip Braham. He will be telling us as bit more about the inspirations and influences behind his stunning "Drift" series of paintings.
This Thursday 6pm. Dont miss it.



Snapshots in the life of a gallery from stewart bremner on Vimeo.

Its Festival Time!

Hello everyone

Its August again, and that means one thing here in bustling Edinburgh....its Festival time!
Througout July many visitors to the gallery have asked how we could match the outstanding Dylan Lisle, Patsy McArthur exhibition. A good question.

I think we have the answer........

and......

Don't miss this superb exhibition.

http://www.edinburghartfestival.com/