Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Artist puts heroic team in the picture
Artist immortalises volunteers in new exhibition
An Airdrie support worker has immortalised a kindhearted army of dedicated volunteers who have helped breathe new life into Bonnie Prince Charlie’s former battle HQ.
A photography exhibition underway at Bannockburn House is the culmination of a two-year project by fine art snapper Mark Leslie, whose work “elevates the ordinary to the extraordinary”.
During the course of the project, Mark took thousands of pictures at Bannockburn House, spending days perfecting each shot as he sought to depict different eras of the 17th century mansion’s rich, colourful history; from the Jacobites to the Second World War.
What’s all the more remarkable is that Mark squeezed the photo shoots in around his full-time job as a support worker for people with disabilities.
Mark said: “I graduated from Glasgow School of Art with a degree in Fine Art in the 1980s, but with starting a family and sustaining a head injury, my arts activities were put on hold until about five years ago when I started photographing old, abandoned buildings in my spare time.
“That’s when I discovered Bannockburn House and completely fell in love with the place. I found the venue intoxicating – and I still do.”
Through honing his photographic craft, Mark developed a methodology which integrates his fine art training with digital photography.
He said: “Sitting for a portrait is something we normally associate with royals or dignitaries, but for me the real VIPS are ordinary, hardworking people.
“I remember meeting Helen [Mcgregor], one of the Bannockburn House volunteers, for the first time. She was cleaning the windows on the landing. As soon as I saw her, I thought, I’ want to take your photo’.
“I remember telling her and her reaction was, ‘don’t be daft’. Sometimes you see things in people that other people miss. Fast forward three years and she’s saying, ‘I’m ready for my close-up Mr Leslie!’”
For 79-year-old Helen Mcgregor, it was the first time she had sat for a portrait in over 65 years.
She said: “I remember sitting for my art teacher when I was about 14, but that was a very long time ago! Mark and I get on really well, so I found the whole experience really relaxing – I am quite good at sitting; I’ve had lots of practice in lockdown.
“I love all of Mark’s portraits, but my favourite is the one he took of my granddaughter which is reminiscent of The Girl with the Pearl Earring. Emily is also 14; isn’t it funny how history repeats itself?”
The final photographs are on display in the mansion’s grand Laigh Hall, where they are hanging alongside a portrait of Bannockburn House’s most famous resident, Bonnie Prince Charlie, highlighting the important role volunteers play in the restoration project.
Penny Ellis, chair of Bannockburn House Trust, said: “Our wonderful volunteers have worked tirelessly to bring this once neglected but beautiful building and its grounds back to life. Bannockburn House sits at the crossroads of Scottish history.
“The Romans marched through the estate 2000 years ago, it’s part of the Battle of Bannockburn site, Bonnie Prince Charlie used the House as his battle HQ in 1746, and it became the centre of Scotland’s tartan industry in the 19th century when production was banned in the Highlands.
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our project, and this exhibition recognises their pivotal role in helping us secure a bright future for Bannockburn House as a vibrant community resource and leading tourist attraction.”
Mark’s exhibition runs until September 17, Monday-to-saturday, from 12pm to 4pm. Entry is free, but slots must be pre-booked on Eventbrite.