The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Byrne’s £20,000 gallery gift
Artist: Tutti Frutti creator gives limited edition prints to revamp project
Aberdeen Art Gallery’s £30million revamp has been handed a potential £20,000 boost after one of Scotland’s most celebrated artists and playwrights donated limited edition prints.
John Byrne, who has created album covers for The Beatles, Gerry Rafferty and Billy Connolly during his illustrious career, unveiled his work at the Peacock Visual Arts studio in Castle Street.
Cash raised from the 50 prints, which cost £400 each, will go towards the project, which has so far secured £23.3million of the funding it needs.
A Heritage Lottery Fund grant of £10million has already been awarded to the venture, while Aberdeen City Council has also pledged £10million from its Non-Housing Capital Fund.
Mr Byrne’s three-colour screen print titled ‘E St’ features a bold portrait head against a mythical New York streetscape. Normally, similar works by the legendary figure sell for around £900.
The 77-year-old said: “I have fond memories of spending time in Aberdeen shooting ‘Your Cheatin’ Heart’ – 35 of the coldest night shoots imaginable to be precise!
“And I’m very happy to be supporting the redevelopment of the city’s wonderful Art Gallery.”
“It took me less than an hour. When I get going, I can do them quite quickly. I get completely lost in it.
“I’ve painted a series of black guys. I like painting them. They are wonderful to paint, they are just beautiful.”
Professor Lennox Dunbar RSA, a trustee of Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums Development Trust, added: “Every purchase of this very special print will help us achieve our fundraising target.”
The Inspiring Art and Music campaign is designed to help fund the transformation of the art gallery as well as Cowdray Hall and Remembrance Hall.
To order a print, contact Michael Hodgson, campaign manager by e-mailing: mhodgson@ aberdeencity.gov.uk
“I’m happy to be supporting the redevelopment of the wonderful Art Gallery”