Published in Scotland Magazine Issue 14 on 2/5/2004.

This article is 52 months old and some information provided may be time sensitive. Please check all details of events, tours, opening times and other information before travelling or making arrangements.

Islands of inspiration

The outer Hebrides have become a haven for artists inspired by the contrasts and isolation of the islands. Ian Sclater travelled to meet them

Forty miles off the northwest coast of Scotland, the remote and sparsely populated Outer Hebrides are home to a colony of talented artists who have been drawn to the area by the unique light and landscape from which they draw their inspiration and by the space and time to pursue their work.

Visitors are welcome to drop in to find the inhabitants dabbing at their easels, turning a lathe or ‘throwing’ a lump of clay.

Often set in idyllic surroundings these small galleries offer visitors an intimate place to appreciate the work, chat with its creators and pick out a unique souvenir of their visit.

Anthony Barber
Close to the Port of Ness at the northern tip of Lewis, stands one of Europe’s smallest art galleries. Overlooking a stone quay and a strip of beckoning sand, the Harbour View Gallery could not be more aptly named.

Owner Anthony Barber, originally from Stoke-on-Trent, moved here from Yorkshire in 1994 during a recession.

Anthony explains the allure of Lewis: “It’s the contrast.

“The colour of the sea on a good day is so intense, and there are so many things to paint, you can never run out of subjects.”

Anthony works mainly in watercolour and last year he started to use mixed media, such as acrylic, for “a bit more body”. Prices of originals range from £225 ($400) (12” x 12” size) to £1,000 ($1,800) (30” x 20”). There is also an extensive range of cards and prints.

www.harbourview.freeserve.co.uk/paintings

Borgh Pottery
Owners Sue and Alex Blair have turned a str.....

To read the rest of this article you can buy this issue or subscribe to Scotland Magazine to have every issue delivered direct to your door.

By Ian Sclater

Section : Scottish Art

Page number : 28