Exhibitions at Summerlee Museum

Inspiration: An exhibition of artworks from North Lanarkshire Council’s collection

2 March – 10 June 2024

Inspiration can be found in many places and the ways in which artists approach their art, from subject matter to technique, is influenced by their own source of inspiration. The art in this exhibition explores some of the inspirations behind the artists’ work, displaying a spectrum of methods and media within the following broad categories: People and Places; Daily Life; Stories and Events; Scottish Land and Seascapes and Sense and Sensation. How will you be inspired?

This exhibition comprises of a diverse range of paintings, prints, photographs and sculptures by  a variety of artists, including some with North Lanarkshire connections such as Dan Ferguson and Una Shanks. Many of the artists have a UK or Scotland wide reputation, including George Wylie, Jessie King and Hamish MacDonald. The collection also includes artists with an international reputation such as Peter Howson and Oscar Marzaroli. Just a taste of the full catalogue in the NLC collection.

One Year On: Scotland through a Ukrainian Lens

Open now until Monday 13 May 2024

North Lanarkshire welcomed many Ukrainian refugees since February 2022. With the Scottish Government’s capital funding housing project in partnership with North Lanarkshire Council, there are many more Ukrainians settled in North Lanarkshire. This exhibition provides a unique perspective on how Ukrainians are settled in North Lanarkshire and beyond; it also provides a firsthand experience in telling the story of how their lives are in Scotland. The Adult Learning and Resettlement team worked in partnership with Summerlee Photomedia Studio to work with Ukrainians since December 2023. The photos in this exhibition will also provide a lasting legacy for the Ukrainians resettled in North Lanarkshire.

With thank to the volunteers and staff from Summerlee Photomedia Studio and North Lanarkshire Council Community Learning and Development.

Chariots of Steam: An Exhibition of Model Ships by Lachie Stewart

29 June – 21 October 2024

An exhibition of spectacular Clyde-built model ships comes to Summerlee Museum. This exceptional collection, ranges from elegant paddle steamers to humble Clyde puffers, and from simple half-hull design models to magnificent display models. Together they demonstrate great skill and insight into the history of ship building on the Clyde and the laborious processes that go into such quality model making. Many of the most famous ships built on the Clyde are represented, including PS Maid of the Loch.

Lachie Stewart is no ordinary man. Born in Vale of Leven, West Dunbartonshire in 1943, his achievements include a glorious athletic career which saw him win gold medal in the 10,000 metres at the Commonwealth Games in 1970. A true champion and polymath, Lachie has combined his lifelong passions for maritime history and model building to create a collection of ships which he has meticulously built over the last 60 years.