Sculptures painted by well-known artists to thank key workers were spotted on tour in Edinburgh ahead of an exhibition.
The artwork is part of the Gratitude installation currently touring the UK and headed by art producers Wild in Art – the creators behind the Oor Wullie’s Big Bucket Trail in Scotland in 2019 and the Glasgow Commonwealth Games Mascot Trail in 2016.
The new sculptures were created by UK artists such as Pam Hogg (Scottish fashion designer), Marcella Wylie (Scottish artist), and Gail Stirling Robertson (Scottish artist). They were photographed at The Forth Bridge in North Queensferry.
They will form part of an exhibition of 51 colorful sculptures at Newhailes House and Gardens in Musselburgh which will run from September 17-27.
This artwork is part of a free-to-visit exhibition that will be touring the UK in recognition of the hard work and dedication of NHS staff during the pandemic.
Also featuring at the exhibition will be voice-recordings of real-life stories and poems from the pandemic read by Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall Hugh Bonneville, Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim), Sarah Parish and Christopher Eccleston, Julie Hesmondhalgh, John Thomson, Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, Shobna Gulati, Ciaran Griffiths, and Adil Ray.
Along with the Gratitude sculptures, artists’ work will also be displayed.
The sculptures will then be auctioned off at an exhibition in London, which will take place from October 1-10.
Wild in Art stated that the proceeds would be donated to NHS Charities Together, which supports the NHS.
It’s a fantastic opportunity for artists and designers across Britain to show acknowledgment and give thanks through their work
Speaking about the installation, Pam Hogg said: “I’m honored to have been asked to design one of the sculptures for this incredible Gratitude project to express immense appreciation for key workers of our NHS and beyond.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for artists and designers across Britain to show acknowledgment and give thanks through their work.
“As a traveling exhibition, I’m glad to say it will be on view in many wonderful locations including Newhailes House in Edinburgh.”
KT Tunstall said: “I am delighted to be contributing to Gratitude, a wonderful project that will help shine a much-needed light on all of our key workers, who have worked so hard during this challenging year.
“It’s fantastic to see that the whole country will be represented in the installation, with contributions from artists, stories, and voices from all corners of the UK.”
Charlie Langhorne, managing director and co-founder of Wild in Art, added: “Gratitude is set to be a beautiful and striking tribute which celebrates the incredible courage and dedication of the UK’s NHS staff and all key workers and supports the vital work of NHS Charities Together.
“We are delighted to be taking our tour to Edinburgh, after months of hard work from artists across the UK, who have dedicated their time and creativity to help us produce an installation which reflects our endless gratitude for the care and kindness that all key workers have provided.”