First Minister John Swinney visits University of Stirling Art Collection

First Minister John Swinney has praised the University of Stirling’s Art Collection during a viewing of an exhibition of work by pioneering Scottish artists who were responding to the threat of climate change as early as the 1970s.

This Fragile Earth, an exhibition which displays pieces by six artists, is hosted by the University in partnership with the Fleming-Wyfold Art Foundation.

The University of Stirling hosts a wide variety of exhibitions, events and lectures at the Art Collection, which currently comprises over 900 works, including paintings, prints, tapestries, sculpture and silver.

The tradition of collecting art goes back to the founding of the University in 1967 and the intention that art should be part of the everyday experience at the University.

Remarkable exhibition

First Minister John Swinney said: “It was a privilege for me to attend this remarkable exhibition and meet some of the talented and pioneering artists involved.

“The link between culture and climate change is an important one, in highlighting the extreme threats facing our planet and encouraging people to take action.

“Our very future depends on accelerating the transition to net zero and embracing the opportunities that come with that. If we do not, we risk all that we hold dear in Scotland – including our stunning landscapes, our wildlife, our world-renowned art and literature.

“I commend the University of Stirling on its policy of creating regular exhibitions and aesthetic projects which align closely with current research, and help to inspire and enrich students’ experiences.”

The First Minister was welcomed to the University by Professor Kirstie Blair, Deputy Principal (Academic), who said: “We were pleased to host First Minister John Swinney and offer him an opportunity to view our celebrated Art Collection and the This Fragile Earth exhibition.

“We believe that a creative environment inspires creative thinking, and it is this philosophy that has been driving us to collect and show exciting art since the foundation of the University in 1967.

“We strive to make art and culture a part of everyday life for students and staff through an active programme of events and exhibitions, which also attract visitors to the campus and deepen our links with the wider community.”

The First Minister was joined on the tour of the University of Stirling Art Collection by Head of University Collections, Sarah Bromage, James Knox, Curator Emeritus, Fleming-Wyfold Art Collection, and two artists who contributed to This Fragile Earth – Glen Onwin and Will Maclean.

First Minister John Swinney and artist Glen Onwin

Fleming-Wyfold Art Foundation Director Theo Albano said: “It has been really a great experience for us to work with the University of Stirling Art Collection. The university setting allows us to tell and teach about important stories, such as the rise and impact of climate change, and introduce these wonderful artists and their work to thousands of students.

“Doubly so, were we thrilled and honoured for the First Minister to spend some time to come and visit This Fragile Earth. Having people in government who understand the importance of art in our communities, and the teaching power of art, gives me a lot of encouragement.”

Sarah Bromage, Head of University Collections, said: “We were thrilled to welcome the First Minister to the University and to show him the Art Collection and our current exhibitions.

“The Art Collection’s exhibitions, events and workshops are directly inspired by the University’s world-leading research.

“We have thoroughly enjoyed working with the Fleming-Wyfold Collection to host This Fragile Earth, and a series of public engagement lectures, workshops and tours that have encouraged visitors to explore and engage with issues relating to climate change.”

This Fragile Earth exhibition, Crush Hall, University of Stirling

This Fragile Earth features painters Frances Walker and James Morrison; visual artists and constructivists, Will MacLean and Glen Onwin; artist/filmmaker Elizabeth Ogilvie; and expeditionary artist and photographer Thomas Joshua Cooper.

The exhibition runs until August 8 and galleries at the University of Stirling’s Pathfoot Building are open to the public from 9am until 5pm, Monday to Friday, or by appointment.

Tours of the University of Stirling Art Collection are available on request and can be arranged by emailing art.collection@stir.ac.uk.