Resipole Studios
It might surprise you to learn that located in one of the most remote and breathtaking parts of the UK is one of Scotland’s leading contemporary art venues: Resipole Studios. The awardwinning fine art gallery sits on the edge of Loch Sunart – an area of outstanding natural beauty – in the far-flung west Highlands of Scotland.
Nestled in the foothills of Beinn Resipol, the 19th-century milking barn turned gallery was established in 2004 by artist and gallery director Andrew Sinclair on the farm that has been home to his family since the 1950s. The settlement is surrounded by ancient oakwoods, remnants of the prehistoric rainforests that once carpeted the Atlantic coastline from Norway to Spain. It’s an ideal setting for a gallery that celebrates contemporary art inspired by the west coast of Scotland. Reached by scenic single track road via the Corran Ferry or Lochailort on the road to the Isles, visitors to the area are often pleasantly surprised to find high quality artwork so sympathetically displayed in such a remote setting.
From the outside, the gallery’s simple wooden clad exterior belies just how impressive the exhibition spaces are that lie within. Lovingly converted and restored in the most part by Andrew himself over a period of two years, the building centres around a large open gallery space with high vaulted ceilings and many other original features, such as deep old stone walls and wooden beams. Surrounding this are three other intimate exhibition spaces, each unique in its own way. A great deal of thought has been given to how the artwork is displayed, from the background colours and textures of the walls, to the lighting and space between works; all contributing to the peaceful ambience of the gallery as whole.
With a roster of over 50 artists, the gallery showcases a huge variety of artwork: from contemporary painting to sculpture, woodturning, ceramics and more. It’s the perfect place to spend an hour or so admiring the work on display, and with exhibitions changing every six to eight weeks, there is always something new to see on return visits.
With all that the gallery has to offer, it is no wonder that, in 2016, Resipole Studios was chosen to host a retrospective of the
late abstract American expressionist Jon Schueler (1916 -1992), to celebrate the centenary of the artist’s birth. Having been greatly inspired by the turbulent skies above the west coast of Scotland, the painter lived in a small secluded hamlet just north of Mallaig for several years. The gallery, therefore, seemed the perfect location to exhibit the artist’s large-scale works, which are rarely seen outside of public galleries and private collections. Not ones to rest on their laurels, the team at Resipole Studios is small but ambitious, and has plans for a world-class exhibition to celebrate the gallery’s twentieth anniversary in 2024.
Since its launch, Resipole Studios has gained merit both for its roster of award-winning artists and high calibre contemporary Scottish art, as well as its wild and beautiful setting. The venue’s secluded lochside spot has been significant in it becoming a sought out destination. So much so that The Hebridean Princess cruise ship has made chartered visits up Loch Sunart for guests visiting the gallery, and private seaplanes have been known to make special pit-stops for the latest exhibition. Art lovers from London travel overnight with the Caledonian Sleeper, in all its splendour, to Fort William and rent a car for the last leg of the journey. With excellent roads, ferry links to Mull, and awe-inspiring scenery, the journey itself is just as much a part of the Highland experience as the destination.
The broad range of places to stay in the area has also contributed to Resipole Studios’ ever-growing clientele. With a wealth of award-winning hotels, country house B&Bs, self-catering cottages, campsites and luxury accommodation nearby, the area draws those from all walks of life who wish to get away from the rigours of modern life and escape to a place of peace and tranquility.
It may be the surrounding beauty that gives Resipole Studios its U.S.P. but it’s the impressive programme of exhibitions and quality of artwork on display that defines it as one of the leading contemporary galleries that Scotland has to offer.