Captain Kirk and the USS Enterprise crew go Star Trekking across the V&A

Artist back at easel to create another movie-based masterpiece

“It’s a museum Jim, but not as we know it...”

Captain James T Kirk and the crew of the USS Enterprise have beamed down for a special visit to Dundee’s V&A.

The original cast of the cult 1960s show took time out from their five-year mission to explore the city’s newest waterfront attraction ahead of its September opening.

The man responsible for bringing the characters to the City of Discovery is blacksmith-turned-artist Liam Stewart from Arbroath.

Liam, who works at Mackay Boat Builders, previously brought Star Wars, Transformers, Batman, The Avengers and flesh-eating zombies to Arbroath in a series of paintings that sparked two exhibitions at the town’s library.

The 40-year-old’s latest creation was commissioned by Ron Watson who wanted ‘Star Trek at the V&A’ for his sister’s birthday. Liam said: “Over the years I’ve been altering fire flumes and surrounds for him. Until my first show, he had no idea I also painted.

“I was really happy with how the painting turned out, as, I have to admit, painting the V&A was a challenge, what with all the straight lines, angles and reflections in the windows.

“I can go on and on...it’s not a straightforward building and I’ve actually come to appreciate its design.

“Painting the original Star Trek characters was another challenge in its own right and I’m expecting a lot of scrutiny, knowing there are a lot of Trekkies out there.

“Some people may wonder why I put poor Sulu back there but I honestly felt it would be a shame to cover that section of the V&A.”

Liam is also considering donating a large version of the painting to the V&A ahead of its opening.

“I’m sure if Star Trek ever came to the V&A, it wouldn’t phase them as it has that futuristic feel to it,” he said.

“The Star Trek prints are now for sale through my Facebook page and I have to say that the commission work that has been coming in has been amazing.

“I decided not to do an exhibition this year and chill out a bit but I’ve never stopped and I’m absolutely delighted with how things are going.”

I’m sure if Star Trek ever came to the V&A, it wouldn’t phase them as it has that futuristic feel to it

Picture: Dougie Nicolson. Liam at Mackay Boat Builders with a print of his painting, Star Trek At The V&A. Right: two of his previous filmthemed works.