Record-breaking panoramic work of art back on display

A panoramic view of Montrose Basin which broke visitor records when it was first exhibited will once again go on public display.

A walk to the centre of the basin with wildlife ranger Rick Goater inspired local artist Syd Walker to create sketches, notes and take photographs.

He used these to paint 10 panels, creating a 62ft, 360 degree panorama.

The artwork is on loan from Syd’s daughters Fiona and Kirsten, who are delighted people will be able to experience it again.

This summer they retraced their father’s footsteps by walking to the centre of the basin, and they will be speaking about this experience and Life With Dad when the exhibition opens on Saturday at 2pm.

It took two years to complete and was first shown in Montrose in 1996. After being exhibited in other Angus venues, it was later taken to Luzarches, the French town twinned with Montrose.

A retrospective exhibition of Syd’s paintings and studio pottery was shown in Montrose Museum two years ago when many local people, who had seen the panoramic in the 1990s, requested it be displayed again.

Kirsten and Fiona said: “We are excited, and especially delighted dad’s Montrose Basin Experience will be open to the public again, 20 years on, in its original venue of Montrose Museum. We both helped dad to assemble it then, and we’re looking forward to the setup, when we will once again see it in all its glory; a true masterpiece.”

The free exhibition runs until Saturday November 3. Opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday 10am–5pm.

Syd Walker working on one of his panels featuring the distinctive skyline of Montrose.