Veteran sculptors are breaking the mould Sight loss doesn’t hinder creativity
A group of Renfrewshire veterans living with sight loss were delighted when an exhibition of their self-portrait sculptures went on show to the public at a museum.
The Seeing Through Sculptures event, at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow, featured five self-portrait busts that were created by veterans with visual impairment who are supported by Scottish War Blinded.
The clay sculptures, which show amazing likenesses to their creators, were made over eight sessions, led by artist Jason Davis at Scottish War Blinded’s Hawkhead Centre in Paisley.
On Tuesday the veterans attended the museum and proudly showed off their work to visitors of all ages, explaining how they created the beautiful pieces.
And many youngsters also enjoyed the event’s Eye Challenge – making clay models while wearing simulation specs that simulate sight loss.
Robert White, 88, from Paisley, has no central vision and is one of the veterans who had his sculpture on display.
He said: “I was ecstatic to see the sculptures on display.
“I surprised myself, even while I was making my sculpture. The clay was quite easy to work with. I found it very interesting.”
Another of the veterans, David Martin, 35, from Barrhead, has sight in only one eye.
He told us: “It’s lovely – at last the heads have been put on display.
“I can’t believe how good they are. Making my sculpture was a great experience, just seeing the transformation from a big wad of clay.
“The things we get to do at the Hawkhead Centre are fantastic.”
Veteran Christina Johnson, 89, has sight loss as a result of macular degeneration.
She added: “You never know who maybe can’t see properly, so it makes a difference to tell people what it’s like and about what we do at Hawkhead.
“The children who spoke with us at the museum hadn’t realised we’d made the sculptures ourselves and were quite interested to hear about it.”
Visitors were also keen to learn about the specialist equipment on display at the event, which is available free of charge to Scottish War Blinded members to help them retain independent lives.
Hawkhead centre manager Sally Ross explained the event was a special day for the veterans.
Sally said: “The veterans have been waiting for this for quite some time. It’s a big moment to get something you’ve made into the Kelvingrove Museum. It’s a great sense of achievement for the veterans.
“Getting to demonstrate the equipment Scottish War Blinded can provide to veterans with sight loss and
Cops believe crooks may have used a hightech device to steal a Ford Transit.
The 60-plate blue van was nicked from Weeple Drive in Linwood around 3.40am yesterday.
Both sets of keys were inside the house, leading officers to suspect thieves may have used a special gadget to spring the locks. tell people more about what we do at the Hawkhead Centre has also really worked well.”
Shanana Khaliq- Lyon, from Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, said it was a pleasure to welcome the veterans on the day, adding: “When I first visited the Hawkhead Centre, as soon as I saw the sculptures, I was so impressed and thought we just had to have them on display.
“It’s really important to work with organisations like Scottish War Blinded.
The owner rasied the alarm after hearing the Transit speeding away from his house.
Police are now appealing for witnesses to come forward if they saw anyone acting suspiciously or spot the van.
A spokeswoman said: “A blue Ford Transit 60 was stolen from a property in Weeple Drive. To have more people walking away from the museum after visiting and meeting the veterans with more of an understanding of sight loss is really important.”
Scottish War Blinded gives free support to former servicemen and women of all ages, no matter if they lost their sight during or after service.
The Hawkhead Centre offers activities with transport provided free of charge. Call 0800 035 6409 to refer a veteran to the charity.
“As the vehicles keys were both inside the hose at the time, it is possible a signalling device was used to gain access.
“If you saw or heard anyone acting suspiciously in the area then we would like to hear from you.”
If you have any information, you should contact police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.