It is a glorious sunny morning at Leask House in Aberdeenshire, where the lazy haze of summer has already settled across the surrounding fields. Light streams through the tall casement windows, where a group of artists are hard at work painting, sketching and creating. With a brush stroke of oil paint and the careful blending of pastels, it’s not difficult to see why inspiration might strike in such a stunning setting. But for the dedicated members of Leask House Artists, it is the company which they find to be so wonderfully uplifting. Come every Wednesday, they meet at Leask House just outside of Ellon – where the relatively solo profession of an artist is put to one side in favour of coming together as a creative group.
The artists showcase many skills ranging from painting to pottery, glass to jewellery and woodwork to furniture. For Hilary Gauci, it is a chance to be amongst people who share the same passions, the same drive to produce something completely unique. An acclaimed contemporary Scottish artist in her own right, Hilary is hopeful that the work produced could attract and inspire the next generation. For Leask House Artists are now working towards their next upcoming exhibition, which will be held on site come September. Members of the public are invited to view work on display in a dedicated gallery space, with the opportunity to meet the artists and find out more about the story behind each piece.
The event is located in the recently restored wing of Leask House, which was built by Archibald Simpson in 1826. It rose from the ashes following a fire in 1927, when Hilary and her family took on the remarkable rebuild more than half a century later. “We raised a young family here and have many fond memories over the years” said Hilary, whose still life paintings feature in galleries across the UK. “This is an opportunity for us to welcome the public, who we hope will enjoy a drive out into the countryside for a varied exhibition. The visitors book will be back this year. We enjoy reading the comments and seeing Leask House through the eyes of others. The gallery at Leask House provides a lovely setting for an art exhibition with a difference.” Previous events have attracted a loyal following, and Hilary is keen to introduce visitors to new and emerging artists.
Leask House Artists has around 15 members who work across a variety of mediums, including ceramics, glass, painting and jewellery. “As a group we have found our skillsets to be something we can become immersed in for a while,” said Hilary. The gallery is only open twice a year in May and September, and brings together the work of the group as well as art from a selection of invited artists. This is an opportunity to acquire a unique piece of art from a curated collection, in a historic setting.”
The exhibition will take place from September the 12th to the 20th. It will be open from 11am to 4.30pm excluding Wednesday. To find out more, visit Leask House Artists on Facebook and Instagram at LeaskHouseArtists