William Gillies: Modernism and Nation Author Talk by Andrew McPherson

Overview

William Gillies: Modernism and Nation Author Talk by Andrew McPherson

Join renowned author Andrew McPherson in situ at the William Gillies – Modernism and Nation RSA Touring Exhibition at Hawick Museum for an insightful talk about his publication, William Gillies: Modernism and Nation in British Art.

This book, which forms the foundation of the exhibition, represents twenty years of research into the life and work of the celebrated Scottish artist William Gillies – who is rightly known for his drawings and watercolours of the Borders landscape which he did not start to produce in quantity until the late 1940s when he was turning fifty.

The untold story of his life rewrites the romanticised fiction we have for so long taken as read and opens our eyes to the full range of his work. It emerged as much from suffering as from joy as he tried to come to terms with the traumas of his family and the aftermath of two World Wars.

This discussion will look at the author’s remarkable account which uncovers paintings not seen before and reveals new meanings among Gillies’ work whilst also exploring issues of cultural politics, sex, gender, religion and mental health which place Gillies firmly within the modernist canon and the broader Scottish, British and European contexts.

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with Andrew McPherson as he shares his findings and sheds light on the multifaceted life and art of William Gillies.

Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot now!