Low Parks Museum steps back in time to WW1

A new exhibition telling 100 stories of World War One from a Scottish perspective is now on display in Hamilton.

Low Parks Museum is hosting What Do We Learn From All This?, commissioned by the Scottish Government.

It sees 100 young artists give their perspective on the 100 stories. Delivered by research and design collective Lateral North and facilitated by the Scottish Print Network, the exhibition uses traditional print making techniques combined with innovative technology.

Augmented reality technology enables visitors explore each of the stories in detail with an ipad.

From individual acts of valour on the battlefield to naval tragedies off Scotland’s coast, from the thousands of workers filling factories at home to the brave members of the Scottish Women’s Hospitals at the Western Front, from innovations in areas such as surgery and aviation to the enduring work of poets and artists in the trenches, the project takes in a wide range of stories and subjects that will resonate throughout Scotland.

Five print studios in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness, with artists from 14 years of age upwards, contributed to the project which marks the culmination of Scotland’s WW1 centenary programme.

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, said: “The What Do We Learn From All This? project is a fitting culmination to the WW100 Scotland commemorations, allowing young people from across Scotland to tell the stories of World War One through the medium of print. to

“It is particularly appropriate that the artworks harness traditional print-making techniques with augmented reality, bringing together old and new.

“World War One affected every village, town and city in Scotland, touching the lives of millions.

“It is important that we continue to remember the stories of bravery and sacrifice and to ensure they are passed on.

“I hope that many people will visit to see the installation and reflect on the artworks and the stories behind them.”

Chair of South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, Councillor Peter Craig, pictured, said: “This is a truly thought-provoking exhibition and one which I would encourage as many people as possible to come along and visit. These stories must never be forgotten, and this unique way of presenting them will hopefully bring them to a whole new audience.”

Tom Smith, director at Lateral North, said: “We have been working with students from across Scotland to creatively interpret people and place based stories of the First World War.

“Working with Solius Heritage and the Scottish Print Network, we have brought over 100 artworks together in the form of an abstract map of Scotland.

“These stories are revealed in augmented reality bringing the Century old stories into the present day.”

The project was delivered with support from Edinburgh Printmakers, Dundee Contemporary Arts, Glasgow Print Studio, Highland Print Studio and Peacock Print Studio in Aberdeen.

The exhibition is on display at Low Parks Museum until Thursday, February 27.