Latest News

HELENSBURGH’S historic Hill House will soon be open for business — despite the erection of a box over the building.

The Charles Rennie Mackintosh mansion in Upper Colquhoun Street is undergoing phase one of a pioneering conservation programme.

THE Anderson Trust (Local Collection) has launched its annual art exhibition upstairs in Helensburgh Library.

The theme is 'Seasons’, and the exhibition focuses on the changing local environment and activities through the year as observed by artists inspired by the town and district.

Some of the works have featured in previous exhibitions, while others have been exhibited less often.

The talented local family of Patersons is represented in ‘Prelude to Spring’ (right) by the architect and artist Alexander Nisbet Paterson, while his daughter Viola Paterson’s ‘View from the Longcroft’ (left) evokes a powerful sense of autumn, set against an instantly recognisable local background.

Less recognisable is Duncan McLaurin’s ‘Old Helensburgh Postman on his rounds by Kirkmichael’ (below), painted nearly 200 years ago.

This once rural part of Helensburgh has been heavily developed, the role and means of transport of the postman has changed considerably.

Summer provides artists with more opportunity for open air painting and the choice of works to exhibit was great.

Arthur Turner’s ‘Clyde Regatta’ has appeared in previous exhibitions and is a vibrant symbol of a much-loved local summer activity.

Some of the paintings represent the seasons by virtue of the flowers illustrated, such as Neil Macleod’s spring ‘Daffodils; or the splash of summer colour in Ailsa Tanner’s garden painting, entitled simply ‘Poppies’ (left).

Trust administrator Mary-Jane Selwood said: “Once again, the Anderson Trust welcomes the co-operation of local writers in providing a fitting complement to the paintings on display.

“This group of writers, named ‘The Mackintosh Group’ in memory of Ann Mackintosh, a founder member, has recently published four books of writings on the same theme as the exhibition.”

These can be bought at the Library Desk, and examples of some of the poems and prose work from the books are displayed to introduce each season. The exhibition will remain open until June.

A NEW exhibition about World War One has opened at Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre following the centenary of the Armistice.

Many local artefacts and connections are on display in the cafe area of the Civic Centre in East Clyde Street.

HELENSBURGH features twice in the latest edition of a show business magazine.

‘Stagedoor’ is the newsletter of The Scottish Music Hall & Variety Theatre Society, which is in its 40th anniversary year and incorporates The Sir Harry Lauder Society.

WORK got underway this week on the start of the ‘Box the Hill House’ project at the iconic Helensburgh mansion.

Ruth Currie, granddaughter of Walter Blackie for whom the house was built, placed a special spade in the ground at the Upper Colquhoun Street site.

AN ART exhibition celebrating 100 Years of Helensburgh will be on display at Helensburgh Library November 6 to December 21.

Dorothy Whitaker, B.A. Fine Art, GSA, Dip. Ed., has prepared a colourful and lively exhibition of paintings which can be enjoyed by all age groups.