Strathnaver Museum seeks funding to buy emotive 'Loss' artwork
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Strathnaver Museum in Bettyhill has launched a fundraising appeal to buy an artwork it has exhibited.
Australian sculptural artist and metalworker Barry Smith exhibited his new body of work entitled “Betrayal and Loss” at the museum last September as part of the Highlands and Islands Climate Festival.
Based in Queensland and a frequent visitor to north Sutherland, Mr Smith transforms salvaged materials and objects into works of art.
His exhibition was inspired by ‘Letter XI’ – one of a series of letters included in author Donald Macleod’s book 'Gloomy Memories', a personal account of the Highland Clearances which saw thousands of families moved from inland straths to land on the coast to make way for sheep farming.
Mr Smith’s exhibition attracted 1,029 visitors.
And now the museum hopes to buy the central piece, ‘Loss’, which reflects Mr Macleod’s account of the loss of more than 100 small open fishing boats in one year along a 30-mile stretch of coast from Portskerra to Rabbit Island.
Loss consists of more than 100 fishing boats made from recycled copper and brass, installed on a wave of galvanised mesh and a sea of cloth.
A museum spokesperson said: “The exhibition, and Loss in particular elicited an emotional response from people who spoke of how the sculptural piece helped them visualise the devastating loss, inherent dangers and cruelties inflicted on the people during the Clearances.
"Many of our visitors were moved to suggest the museum should acquire the piece on a permanent basis. Always responsive to our audience, this is what we are now seeking to do."
The museum is inviting people to sponsor a boat for £10 and donations can be made at www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sponsor-a-boat. A target of £1000 has been set.
