Weather does not dampen spirits at St James Fair exhibitions
Monday, September 15 2008
Despite the annual St James Fair being cancelled due to the weather, more than 500 visitors flocked to the Kelso Town House last weekend (6/7 September) to visit the various exhibitions and workshops held as part of the event.
‘Work in Print’ was held as a celebration of the town’s contribution to 500 years of printing in Scotland. It combined work from the Friends of Kelso Museum, the Heritage Hub, Kelso and District Amenity Society, Kelso Graphics, Kelso Library and Scottish Borders Council’s Library and Information Services.
Among the exhibits included copies of the Kelso Chronicle – the region’s first provincial newspaper; archive books and newspapers; excerpts from the Kelso Mail from 200 years ago and a collection of papers that were saved from being sold to Yale University by local fundraising efforts in 2002.
Local print company, Kelso Graphics, played a leading role by providing a unique insight into modern day printing techniques, while local artist Jane Gaze held workshops – supported by Friends of Kelso Museum and SBC’s Cultural Co-ordinator Programme – for youngsters to learn more about printing techniques. Also, as part of the event, the winners of the ‘Work in Print Design a Book Cover’, held by Kelso Library in conjunction with local schools were presented with their prizes by Kelso Provost, Margaret Riddell.
The winners were Jolie Darrie and Molly Wright (5-8 years); Kenzie Steele and Kate Mathieson (9-12 years). Highly commended were Daniel Easson, Rhys Lawrence and Amy Purves. The prizes were donated by Kelso and District Amenity Society and Friends of Kelso Museum.
Another exhibition which proved popular with visitors was a collection of paintings by the late James Henderson – a local man who became a well-known figure in Kelso when he was regularly spotted with his dog ‘Lady’ heading for coffee at the Ednam House Hotel. James died last December just before his 100th birthday and his family kindly donated the paintings on loan, for the exhibition.
A graduate of Edinburgh Art College, James taught art in Edinburgh and Galashiels - where he helped found the Arts Club and rescue Old Gala House from demolition. He painted local scenes, especially of his favourite fishing pools - and family members were on hand to answer queries throughout the exhibitions.
Councillor Graham Garvie, Executive Member for Culture, Sport and Community Education said: “Despite the fair being cancelled, spirits weren’t dampened and everyone, including the children, still had a fantastic day. It was great to see so many people taking part in the activities and dropping into the exhibitions to admire the many exhibits on show which are of great value to the town and, indeed, the Borders.”
Photo: (left to right) John Lamont MSP; Executive Member for Culture, Sport and Community Education, Councillor Graham Garvie and Kelso Provost Margaret Riddell admire the late James Henderson’s paintings (picture by Alastair Innes).
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