Exhibition features the father of Arran printing

Stephen Gill, who set up the island’s first printing press – undertaking all of Arran’s printing needs from his press in Whiting Bay – will be posthumously featured in the exhibition space at the Arran Library in Brodick.

Letterheads, brochures, Christmas and business cards, all bearing the imprint of St Columba’s Press, were the main focus of Stephen’s work but he also produced paintings, sketches, pastel drawings and watercolours among other mediums, and exhibited at local galleries and art shows.

Inspiration

Arran’s rocky mountains and coastline were to be Stephen’s main inspiration throughout his career. The seashore, cliffs and soaring birds became a regular feature of his artwork, scenes that he had seen and sketched as he enjoyed regular walks through the Arran landscape.

Stephen, who died two years ago, was a founder member of the Arran Mountain Rescue Team, was a keen walker and hiker, and he also loved amateur dramatics, being a longtime member of Whiting Bay Players.

Stephen’s son, Simon Ross-Gill, said: ‘Stephen’s family is very pleased to have the opportunity to display this selection of his work at the Arran Library, where he was a regular visitor in his later years to use the internet.

‘This exhibition is a small portion of the extensive repertoire of prints and paintings that my dad left behind, and his work provides a fascinating insight into the art of printmaking.’

The exhibition at the Arran Library will take place from today (Friday) until Thursday March 29.