Museums and Art Gal ler iesStranraer • Wigtown • Kirkcudbright • Castle Douglas

Stranraer Museum

Castle of St John

Wigtown Museum

Castle Douglas

Art Gallery

The Stewartry Museum

Tolbooth Art Centre

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Stranraer's historic Old Town Hall, built in 1776, is the home of Stranraer Museum. Step inside and discover Wigtownshire's fascinating past. See one of Scotland's oldest ploughs, look at Victorian Wigtownshire in 3D photographs and investigate the collection through our museum trails. Plus displays on archaeology, local history, costume, farming and dairying.

An exciting and varied temporary exhibition programme runs throughout the year and there are activities for all the family. Groups and schools bookings are always welcome.

Stranraer MuseumThe Old Town Hall, George Street, Stranraer, DG9 7JP.

Tel: 01776 705088 stranraermuseum@dumgal.gov.uk

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Disabled access throughout.

Admission Free

Open all year Monday-Friday

10am - 5pm

Saturday10am -1pm and

1.30pm - 4.30pm

Cover image by Barry Russell

Stranraer: 400

4 March - 22 April

Celebrating the 400th anniversary of the Stranraer Town Charter this exhibition looks at all things Stranraer. Displaying photographs, maps, costume, weapons,

toys, paintings and so much more this exhibition has something for everyone.

Sea Pyot Arts exhibition of works

29 April - 3 June

An exhibition of works by invited artists from across the country. With a mixture of top quality works this is the exhibition to see established and up-and-coming artists. All works for sale.

Space: fact and fiction

10 June - 2 Sept

“Space is only 80 miles from every person on earth - far closer than most people are to their own national capitals” - Daniel Deudney,1982.

It’s time to look up and out into the huge expanse that surrounds our earth - space. This exhibition explores brave new worlds of science facts and takes a giant leap into science fiction. From the Galloway Dark Sky Park to galaxies far, far away there’s plenty for all ages to enjoy. Hands-on activities throughout, plus special schools workshops and holiday activity days.

Temporary Exhibitions at Stranraer Museum

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The Offensive Romans

9 Sept - 4 Nov

A series of digs over the past couple of years has resulted in new evidence to tell the story of Burnswark and the Roman invasion of Scotland. This exhibition, suitable for all ages, presents the interpretation of the excavation findings. It challenges previous ideas about the site and offers new insights.

Schools workshops available.

Open Art and Crafts

11 Nov - 9 Dec

Local artists and crafts people show off the fruits of their labours in this year’s very popular winter exhibition. All works for sale, just in time for Christmas.

An exhibition by Stranraer and The Stewartry Camera Clubs

16 Dec - Jan 2018

Our local camera clubs have been out and about again to show us the world from a different view. From sweeping views of foreign shores to detailed portraits of native flowers, this exhibition has a little of everything.

Galloway in Pencil

8 - 29 July

Heather Dickinson exhibits her pencil drawings of buildings and wildlife from around the local area.

From the Wilds

12 August - 2 September

A wonderful variety of work including machine embroidery, photography, woodwork and felt work from Alison Corfield, Alistair Hamilton, Jane Taylor and Natural Woodcraft.

Scottish Ruins

9 - 30 September

Michal Sur shows Scottish Ruins in Infrared photography

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The Ross Gallery at Stranraer MuseumA newly established art gallery displaying a programme of changing exhibitions from local artists and crafts people. Most works are for sale.

Displays from April to October, will be closed during exhibition changeovers.

Open Monday-Friday 10am - 5pmSaturday 10am - 1pm and 1.30pm - 4.30pm

Disabled access. | Admission Free.

Ross Gallery Exhibitions 2017Tree

10 June - 1 July

By Dave Currie, of Galloway Photography

Leaf

10 June - 1 July

Unique leaf jewellery designed and hand made by Beth Currie

Dave Currie

Events for Schools and GroupsThe Stewartry and Stranraer Museums offer a range of workshops for schools based on our collections or on our resource boxes. Workshops can be arranged on most school topics, as well as community projects for Curriculum for Excellence. These can be booked anytime through the relevant museums.

We also offer special workshops based on some of our temporary exhibitions.

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Loans boxesThe following resources and topic boxes are available for schools and community groups to borrow free of charge:

• Lighting

• Victorian Toys and Games

• The Second World War

• Mystery Objects

• Schooling in the Past

• Transport

• Ancient Scotland

• Printing and Communication

• Nineteenth century Stranraer

• Historic Wigtown.

These boxes can be booked for collection at The Stewartry or Stranraer Museums.

Contact 01776 705088 for more details.

Why not visit our museums in Galloway? The museums are all free

and on some days we can offer tours or talks. Just

contact the museums for further details.

There are always museum trails and mini-activities available in our museums throughout the year, but we also offer a great range of special events. From puppet making to paper craft, Pirates to spaceships, this year’s programme of children’s events is better than ever and as always -

it’s free! Some of the events are detailed here, but we will add to the programme as we go along, so keep up with the news on Facebook or in the local press. To book a place, contact the relevant museum. Children should be accompanied by an adult. All workshops are for ages 4+ unless otherwise stated. For full workshop details please contact the museums. Email updates available, contact Stranraer Museum to join the Dumfries and Galloway Museums West email list.

Easter Holiday Craft ActivitiesJoin in at your local museum and learn a new skill. All activities are hands-on and great for both children and adults.

The Stewartry MuseumTuesday 4 April and Tuesday 11 April. Drop in between 11am and 3pm

Stranraer Museum

Friday 7 April for Zoolab 2 sessions available starting at 11.30am Booking essential.

Thursday 13 April Drop in between 11am and 3pm.

Summer holiday Craft Activities and WorkshopsLearn more about our collections, history or wildlife through hands-on fun. There is always something new every week. Some workshops may take place outside in good weather.

The Stewartry Museum Every Tuesday Between 4 July and 15 August. Drop in between 11am and 3pm.

Stranraer Museum Every Thursday between 6 July and 17 August Drop in between 11am and 3pm.

October Holiday ActivitiesThe Stewartry Museum Tuesday 17 and 24 October Drop in between 11am and 3pm.Stranraer Museum Thursday 19 and 26 October Drop in between 11am and 3pm.

Activities and Events

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Costumed interpreters on special event days. 22 April, 20 May, 17 June, 15 July, 12 August and 30 September.

See our facebook page or the local press for more detail.

Castle of St JohnCharlotte Street, Stranraer, DG9 7EJ

Enquiries 01776 705088

The Castle of St John sits in a prominent position in the centre of Stranraer. Built in the sixteenth century this is a particularly fine example of the type of tower house built and used by Scottish Lairds in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

The Castle of St John was built around 1500 by the Adairs of Kilhilt, one of the most powerful families in Wigtownshire. In the late 1670s it was used as a military garrison for the government troops commanded by John Graham of Claverhouse. In the Victorian period it was used as a jail.

The fascinating story of the Castle and its many inhabitants can be found in the exhibitions on site.

Open

14, 15 and 17 April30 May - 30 September

Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 4.30pm

Free Admission

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Wigtown MuseumWigtown County Buildings Wigtown DG8 9JH. Enquiries 01776 705088.

The County Buildings were constructed in 1862 as the administrative centre for the former county of Wigtownshire. The flamboyant French gothic style of architecture is both unexpected and wonderfully out of place in such a small Scottish market town.

The County Buildings were renovated a few years ago and are now used for a variety of community-related activities. The building also houses the town library, a wildlife interpretation room and a small museum.

The museum tells the story of the Burgh of Wigtown and various items of Wigtown memorabilia are on display. The most important group of objects is a collection of bronze weights and measures acquired by the Burgh in 1707; this is the most complete set of early 18th century town weights in Scotland.

On the ground floor of the County Buildings are the remains of an 18th century prison cell known locally as 'The Martyrs Cell' because of its supposed association with the Wigtown Martyrs. The cell is open to visitors.

Open all year Monday - Sunday

9.00 - 5.00pm

Admission free

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The Stewartry Museum was founded in 1879, and first occupied part of the Kirkcudbright Town Hall. As the collection grew, the present purpose-built museum was planned and opened in 1893. The Museum has an old-world charm and exhibits a wealth of objects relating to the area known as The Stewartry, or Kirkcudbrightshire (the eastern half of Galloway).

Research Facilities

The Stewartry Museum holds an impressive local history library and archive collection relating to the Stewartry and an extensive photographic archive. All of these resources can be accessed when visiting the Museum. Prints of the photographic archive can be supplied for a fee.

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The Stewartry MuseumSt Mary Street, Kirkcudbright, DG6 4AQ. Tel: 01557 331643stewartrymuseum@dumgal.gov.uk

Opening HoursWinter 1 October - 15 April

Monday - Saturday 11am - 4pm

Summer 16 April - 30 SeptemberMonday - Saturday

11am - 5pm

Sunday 2pm - 5pm

Free Admission

The Kirkcudbright Galleries Plans and Updates

1 April - 17 June

Come and see the progress so far in this ambitious Kirkcudbright Project. With plans, artists impressions, progress photos and a selection of Kirkcudbright artists works, this exhibition will whet your appetite for the opening next year.

Kirkcudbright Harbour

30 Sept - Jan 2018

Bringing wealth to Kirkcudbright from the earliest times, Kirkcudbright’s safe haven harbour has been an important part of the history of the region. With plans, paintings and detailed documents from our own archives, the story of Kirkcudbright Harbour is brought to life in this fascinating exhibition.

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Temporary Exhibitions at The Stewartry Museum

Pirates and Smugglers

24 June - 23 Sept

This hands-on exhibition for all the family offers an exciting overview of the world of smugglers and pirates. The pirates and smugglers of history have become legend with tales of adventure on the high seas an important part of literature and blockbuster movies. But were they all plying their trade in the warm seas of the Caribbean, or could you find some on our colder shores? Find out in this interactive exhibition.

Great for all ages. Summer holiday and schools workshops available.

The Kirkcudbright Tolbooth

High Street Kirkcudbright, DG6 4JL Tel: 01557 331556

The Kirkcudbright Tolbooth was opened in 1993 by H.M. The Queen. The building was originally erected in the period 1625-1629 (with later additions) as Kirkcudbright’s Tolbooth when it was used as a Town Council meeting place and office, Burgh and Sheriff Court, and the Criminal and Debtor’s prison. One of the most famous prisoners was Captain John Paul, later known as John Paul Jones, hero of the American Navy.

The Award winning Art Centre presents visitors with the story of the Kirkcudbright ‘Art Colony’ through an audio-visual show “The Artists’ Town” and a permanent display of some of the best Kirkcudbright paintings in our collection.

The top floor is maintained as a gallery for a huge range of contemporary art and craft exhibitions. Works are for sale in the exhibitions and in the shop on the ground floor, or you are welcome to just sit and enjoy the Tolbooth’s friendly coffee shop.

The Kirkcudbright Tolbooth and Tolbooth Art Centre

Opening Hours Winter 1 October - 15 April

Monday – Saturday 11am - 4pm

Summer 16 April – 30 September

Monday - Saturday 10am - 4pm

Sunday 1pm - 4pm

Admission Free

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Tolbooth Exhibition Programme

Pop-Up Cinema at the Tolbooth Café opens at 6.30pm.Movie begins at 7.30pm

Show Dates

1 March Suffragette Cert 12a

5 April Youth (La Giovinezza) Cert 15

3 May The Carer Cert 15

Ancient Egyptians

14 January - 18 February

Another chance to see this hands-on exhibition for all the family, offering an exciting overview of the world of the Ancient Egyptians.

Great for all ages.

Zoolab

Tuesday 14 February

Join us at the Tolbooth for a Zoolab live animal encounter. Two sessions at 11.30am and 2pm. Booking essential

Stranraer and The Stewartry Camera Clubs

25 February - 25 March

This year’s labour of love from the Stranraer and The Stewartry Camera Clubs.

Comparative Wildlife by Fiona Simon

29 Mar – 17 Apr

In the studioPastel and pencil originals of local wildlife and domesticated farm animals

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Selected Works of Sleepy Silver

31 May - 18 June

In the studioA selection of hand-decorated boxes, prints of original oils and watercolours as well as the latest originals in watercolour.

Between the Fells and the Sea by Dave Gowers

14 June - 2 July

This exhibition offers an observation and reflection of his physical environment in oils mixed with varnish.

Flowers, Fruit and Football by Shona McQueen

21 Jun - 9 Jul

In the studioPaintings in watercolour and pastel.

Moffat Art Collective

12 - 30 April

A group of 8 artists and craft workers put on a display of paintings in watercolour, acrylic, oil and pastels as well as stained glass and wood and metal work.

The Wonders of Wool by Ann Smith

19 Apr - 7 May

In the studioAn exhibition of wool felt paintings and wool felt crafts.

Retrospective Exhibition of Teresa Durá Branson’s Paintings

3 - 21 May

Teresa aimed to convey her personal perspective of life and of nature’s mysteries in her paintings of oil pastels and watercolour.

Paintings by Irene McMichael

9 - 28 May

In the studioA variety of paintings will be on display mainly in acrylic.

Seasonal Landscapes by George Lawson

24 May - 11 June

Scottish landscapes painted in watercolour, acrylics and oils.

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Trees by Michal Šúr

5 - 23 Jul

Trees and woodlands captured in Infrared B & W photography and a long shutter speed – creating images with a mysterious and dream-like appearance.

The Animal World by Victor Hulme

12 – 30 July

In the studioA selection showing watercolours of animals and pets, as well as Dumfries and countryside scenes.

To the Sea by Henrietta Veys-Crocker

26 July – 13 Aug

A collection of watercolour paintings based on beaches, landscapes, boats and surrounding villages of Kirkcudbright.

Red Squirrel Crafts by Beth Currie

2 – 20 Aug

In the studioBeth works from her home in the Galloway Forest Park, creating hand crocheted jewellery inspired by the wild beauty around her.

Stars, Streams, Stags and Stunning Scenery: the Best of Galloway

16 Aug – 3 Sept

Photographic exhibition of original works showcasing the very best of Bonnie Galloway by Dave Currie of Galloway Photography.

On the Water’s Edge by Delya M Randall

23 Aug – 10 Sept

In the studioLocal scenes in ink, watercolour and acrylics.

Purely by Anne Donald

7 – 29 Sept

Landscapes and seascapes in pastel, which are created in layers to build texture, vibrancy and movement.

Open Art and Craft

11 November - 12 December

An exhibition of work by artists from Kirkcudbright and beyond.

Kirkcudbright Academy Art Exhibition

16 December - 6 January 2018

A display of works by the senior years and school leavers of Kirkcudbright Academy.

The Offensive Romans

13 Jan - 17 Feb

A series of digs over the past couple of years has resulted in new evidence to tell the story of Burnswark and the Roman invasion of Scotland. This exhibition, suitable for all ages, presents the interpretation of the excavation findings. It challenges previous ideas about the site and offers new insights.

Schools workshops available.

Photography by Jim McMichael

13 - 30 Sept

In the studioA selection of photography of scenes throughout Dumfries and Galloway

Timeframes by Tim Fuller

27 Sept - 14 Oct

This collection aims to show juxtaposition – maybe a conflict – between past and present. Hopefully the viewer will find they evoke the future too.

Photography by Forbes Kinghorn

4 - 21 Oct

In the studioA selection of photography by a local young photographer.

All Things Wonderful by Jake Wade and Patricia Graves

18 Oct - 4 Nov

An exhibition of photography and art work in a variety of media.

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Schools workshops available.Castle Douglas Art Gallery first opened in 1938 having been gifted to the town by Mrs Ethel Bristowe, a talented artist in her own right. The gallery was upgraded in 1996 with lottery funding through the Scottish Arts Council, and now forms an excellent venue for contemporary art and craft exhibitions. The programme runs from March to Christmas showcasing both group and individual works from across the region.

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Castle Douglas Art GalleryMarket Street, Castle Douglas, DG7 1BE.

Enquiries 01557 331643.

Entry is free

The gallery opening hours vary depending on the exhibitors, but they are usually Monday to Saturday 10.30am - 4.00pm.

The gallery is closed during exhibition changeovers.

Revival’s Drawing Board

29 March - 8 April

Works in a variety of media by a group of people who have overcome difficult circumstances.

Screel Artists

12 - 22 April

A very versatile group of local artists presenting a wide range of work.

Scotia Crafters

26 April - 6 May

Sale of local quality crafts

On the Road Dumfries and Galloway Fine Arts Society

10 - 20 May

Exhibition of members’ works

Spring Fling Infrared Landscapes Michel Šúr

23 - 29 May

Infrared black and white photography of nature

Celebrate the Seasons Solway Art Group

31 May - 10 June

Journey through the year as we delight in representing the natural world through traditional and contemporary styles.

Brush Strokes Annual Exhibition

14 - 24 June

Paintings and crafts by local artists

Scotia Crafters

28 June - 8 July

Exhibition and sale of local quality made crafts

Paula Stahley at Sleepy Silver

12 - 22 July

Decorated boxes, prints, watercolours and oils

Castle Douglas Art Gallery Exhibition programme

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Hightae Artists

26 July - 6 August

Paintings by the 20 members of this group of artists, each with individual styles and favourite subjects. The exhibition includes oils, acrylics, watercolours, pastels and drawings in a variety of subjects.

Jim McFarlane

9 - 19 August

New works

My World of Paint Susan Metcalfe

23 August - 2 September

An exhibition of paintings using water based media in a colourful and textural way, inspired by the Galloway Country Life.

Ian Gascoyne - New Work

6 - 16 September

Bold expressionist oil paintings

Threave Artists

20 September - 7 October

2017 will be the 45th Annual Charity Exhibition at the Gallery. Threave Artists are artists resident within 8 miles of Castle Douglas.

Green House Art

11 - 21 October

A group formed with a mutual passion for art display some of their stunning drawings, paintings, felting and photographs.

Art & Nature by Ja’na (naturally)

25 October - 4 November

A display of wooden jewellery boxes, clocks and wildlife products, textile arts and crafts, felt work and embroidery.

All things Wonderful Jake Wade and Patricia Graves

8 - 18 November

Works in a variety of media from watercolour to intaglio prints, acrylic to collage. Artist in residence with demonstrations throughout.

All things Bright and Beautiful. TLC Art and Craft Group

18 - 28 November

A variety of art mediums, photography, painting, drawing and crafts, from a group of local artists from the Castle Douglas area. Demonstrations throughout.

Scotia Crafters

6 - 23 December

Christmas Exhibition and sale of quality local made crafts

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Museums and Art Gal ler iesStranraer • Wigtown • Kirkcudbright • Castle Douglas

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