Robert Stewart - An Argyll Artist

Described as 'one of the foremost British designers of the second half of the 20th century', Robert (Bob) Stewart was a prolific and immensely productive Argyll artist and designer, as well as Head of Textiles and Design at Glasgow School of Art. His work spans textiles, ceramics, graphics, fine art, murals, mosaics and tapestries - his output was extraordinary. 

Stunning 'Raimoult' fabric hanging in the Burgh Hall

A fraction of his extraordinarily diverse and beautiful output can be seen at a small but extensive exhibition at the Burgh Hall, Dunoon. Thanks to the hard work of curator Anne E. Ferguson,herself an artist and ex-student of Bob, this visually stunning exhibition has 'come home' to Cowal.  

Cushions made with Ardentinny (left) and Macrahanish (right) Linen Union fabrics

 The show is a treat for the eyes, with many references to Bob's love of his home environment in Cowal and Argyll, especially his striking textiles named after local places such as Kilmun or Glendaruel.

Anne E. Ferguson introduces Jimmy Cosgrove, a colleague and contemporary of
Robert Stewart who opened the exhibition

Small selection of Robert Stewart's ceramics

Running until 30th September you won't be disappointed if you pop in to have a look at one of Argyll's finest artists.

Detail from ceramic mural (1967), once displayed at the Douglas Academy
now needing a home!

More fabrics! (Top & left), Kilmun Linen Union, small 'Sun Man' cushion (right) &
'Striven' (front)

Glasgow's Va-Va-Vintage Voom!

Now in it's 12th year the Merchant City Festival, once again, provided 5 days of spectacular entertainment in Glasgow’s cultural quarter plus the most fabulous addition of Wayne and Geraldine Hemingway's 'Vintage' Festival. 

With Glasgow's reputation as a hotbed of vintage inspired designers and crafty vendors, this promised to be a massive treat for the many Glaswegian fans of all things Vintage - it did not disappoint!

One of the amazing 'Customise your Dr. Martens' Team

The vibrant Vintage Market Place brimmed with clothes, accessories plus cool vintage/retro homewares and tea bags to die for:

Gorgeous, customised vintage clothes and accessories from Vi Nouveau

Stunning vintage homewares from Love Me Again - hand stamped silver
spoons + adorable messages = perfect gift for engagements, weddings,
anniversaries, christenings, anything really!

Tea bags, china cups and saucers, all you need for the perfect
'tea for two' - Tea by Lita, how divine!

There were inspiring businesses aplenty, using strong vintage motif/styling/vehicles at their stalls and pitches:

The lovely 'Félicitié' - delivering flowers to your door from one of Glasgow's best beloved
florists, Ruby Flowers

The Gramophone Djs - one of a number of services by vintage event
hire specialists Butler and Taylor

As they say themselves "Trucking good street food" - all sorts of delicious
food served up from an equally delicious wee van, belonging to Loving Food 

A proper 'Beauty Salon' where you could be primped, curled and powdered to within an inch of your vintage life, in any era you chose: 

Vintage hairstyling in action - those girls were awesome!

Outside the Vintage Wedding Fair venue sat the ultimate Wedding transport to die for - the most gorgeous Routemaster bus complete with cute clippie and gorgeous blooms!

Too cute - Wedding Transport with that extra va-va-voom! Contact
the Red Bus for further details

It was almost too much to bear  - but bear it we did, rounding off the day with bubblegum ice cream and tired, but happy smiles. 

Miss Bubblegum Ice Cream Face

Can't wait for next year!