NEWS
The life of poet Robert Burns illuminated in Glasgow last weekend - Artist Ross Ashton displayed his projection on the façade of the City Chambers during last weekend’s Burns Illuminated event in Glasgow
Deputy Lord Provost Allan Stewart and Scott Taylor, chief executive of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, were joined by projection artist Ross Ashton - who displayed his projection on the façade of the City Chambers - during last weekend’s Burns Illuminated event in Glasgow.
Glasgow’s George Square was the venue for a unique event - Burns Illuminated - last weekend which saw the front of the City Chambers act as a giant screen for a projection that depicted the life and times of Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet.
This event formed part of the nationwide Homecoming celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of Burns’ birth.
Glasgow is the home of one of the biggest Burns’ collections in the world, held in the city’s Mitchell Library, with the original manuscript of Auld Lang Syne being a prized part of the collection. Pieces from this collection were used by Ross Ashton when creating his projections.
Deputy Lord Provost Allan Stewart, leader of the city’s lighting strategy, said: “It was very important that Glasgow recognised the 250th anniversary of one of Scotland’s greatest sons. Two of Glasgow’s greatest assets - the friendliness of its people and an international outlook - were characteristics shared by Burns and famously expressed in the words of A Man’s A Man For A’ That. Bearing this in mind, it is appropriate that Glasgow hosts this unique event that I am sure the city’s people and visitors will enjoy.”
Scott Taylor, chief executive of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: “We are delighted Glasgow is hosting this unique event which will put Burns very firmly in the spotlight. George Square provides the perfect backdrop to tell the story of the life and works of our national poet and, once again, displays Glasgow's prowess as an exceptional venue for exciting and cutting-edge events."
Ross Ashton, creator of the unique projection for the event, said: “Working on this event and reading the words of Robert Burns has been a moving experience. My mother is from Ayr and would often quote Burns to us. It has been very interesting to discover the man behind these words. In this year of celebration I am honoured to have the opportunity to tell the story of Scotland’s most influential poet. It has been a pleasure to work as part of the team that has put this event together and to be carried along with their passion for Robert Burns.”
Further examples of Ross Ashton’s work can be found at www.rossashton.com
Deputy Lord Provost Allan Stewart is the leader of the Glasgow: City of Light project, established by Glasgow City Council in 2001 to enhance the city and make it a more welcoming and attractive environment for citizens and visitors. The project has seen the permanent illumination of more than 80 landmark buildings and structures since its inception.
Glasgow's approach to this project involves the coordination of all aspects of lighting in the city, from the lighting of individual buildings and monuments to street lighting as well as programmes for festive lighting, winter lighting, local projects and lighting art. Together these individual elements help to create an exciting and innovative experience of the city at night, and showcase Glasgow as a world-class city.