ONE of Scotland’s finest stately homes is about to be overrun by a bunch of ‘Gadgies’.
Artist, Alexander Millar – whose Gadgies series of paintings tops the best seller lists – is mounting a major exhibition at 18th century Hopetoun House at South Queensferry.
The Lad to Laird exhibition on Sunday, October 2, will feature an extensive collection of Millar’s sought after work and will be his only Scottish appearance this year.
Organised by contemporary gallery, breeze, the event is expected to attract up to 500 collectors and investors who value Millar’s Gadgie characters, which have increased in value by an average of 20 per cent each year.
The Kilmarnock-born artist has created two special limited editions for the Hopetoun House event which will feature art to suit every budget, form £200 limited edition prints to £30,000 original oils available to purchase.
Millar said his inspiration for the Gadgie characters springs from his childhood in the west of Scotland and early memories of time spent with “old men dressed in dark suits smoking Woodbines and large missile-shaped women, decked out in overcoats, pinnies and tartan headscarves”.
Alexander Millar said: “This appearance at Hopetoun House will be a long overdue return ‘hame’ and I’m looking forward to seeing collectors of my work old and new.
“I’ve been able to refresh my art over the last few months preparing for my homecoming and have produced lots of new paintings that reflect the love I have for Scotland.
“I enjoy so much listening to what people see in my work, and how they always mirror back to me an image that is solely wrapped up in their own lives, whichever town or city they come from.
“As for me, I always see in them my own childhood, living in a rough, small mining village in Ayrshire. It is and will always be “hame” for me and I hope everyone that gets the chance to see my new work can be wrapped up in their own favourite memories of times past.”
Event organiser and breeze art gallery owner, Bob Corsie, said: “Alex’s Gadgie paintings are highly collectable and have introduced a whole generation to the delights of building up an art portfolio.
“From Lad to Laird is a premier event which showcases one of Scotland’s most successful artists and the juxtaposition of placing Alex’s Gadgies and their working class roots, in the splendour of Hopetoun House, adds sparkle to what is his only Scottish appearance in 2011.
“Like all our events and the artists we promote, this is art for all and even in these economically difficult times, there will be sketches and paintings which provide access to art regardless of budget.”
A live painting demonstration by Millar and signing session for buyers will be completed with a charity silent auction, a guest appearance by the real Gadgie and his wife, and a traditional Scottish afternoon tea for invited guests.
For more information on From Lad to Laird, please visit www.breeze-gallery.co.uk
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breeze art gallery is one of Scotland’s leading dealers and promoters of contemporary art, with galleries at Peebles, Jenners in Edinburgh, House of Fraser Glasgow, and Loch Lomond Shores.
Website: www.breeze-galleryco.uk
Twitter: @breezegallery
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Breeze-Art-Gallery/157300027666947
Issued on behalf of breeze Art Gallery by Sure Public Relations. For more information please contact Stephen Rafferty on +44(0)7980 598764 or email moreinfo@surepr.co.uk
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Contact: Stephen Rafferty
Phone: +44(0)7980 598764
Email: moreinfo@surepr.co.uk
Website: http://www.breeze-gallery.co.uk
