Sponsored by BNY Mellon
16 October 2009 – 10 January 2010
Admission: FREE
Press View: Thursday 15 October, 11.30am-1pm
A stylish new portrait exhibition celebrating emigration, internationalism and Scottish impact abroad will open at the National Museum of Scotland in October to mark the Year of Homecoming 2009.
Salt of the Earth features over 20 contemporary photographs of key personalities who have made a unique contribution to the image of Scotland at home and internationally. Photographs of famous Scots such as Sharleen Spiteri, Chris Hoy and Sir Jackie Stewart will be shown alongside Neve Cambell and Rosanne Cash, whose Scottish links may come as a surprise.
Capturing a wide spectrum of achievement, Salt of the Earth features playwright John Byrne, actors Brian Cox and Alan Cumming, photographer Albert Watson and football manager Sir Alex Ferguson amongst others. An accompanying film, A Pinch of Salt, captures the photographic process, with a soundtrack from up and coming Scottish rock band Shutter.
The portraits are the work of acclaimed photographer Craig Mackay, a native Highlander from Brora who is currently working in Louisiana, USA. Craig has great empathy for the emotional pull of his homeland.
Craig said:
“Scotland and its people have had a profound impact on the world today. Although these are modern photographs, the title Salt of the Earth reflects the often humble and resilient nature of Scottish emigrants who have enriched the world around them over the centuries.”
The exhibition also mirrors an emerging and growing confidence in modern Scotland, showing an evolving picture of celebrities, sporting personalities and artists who are spreading their influence abroad.
Rosanne Cash, daughter of the late Johnny Cash, is still closely connected with her Scottish roots – her father’s research into the family’s ancestry revealed a bloodline of royal descent dating back to the 11th century. Actress Neve Campbell’s father was an immigrant to Canada from the East End of Glasgow.
Maureen Barrie, Exhibitions Officer, National Museums Scotland, said:
“We are delighted to be able to show these contemporary photographs by an acclaimed Scottish photographer. They give a unique insight into the sitters and explore how we define Scottishness, which is particularly appropriate in the Year of Homecoming 2009.”
The exhibition is sponsored by global financial services company BNY Mellon who are undertaking their first corporate sponsorship in Scotland. The company are a major supporter of the arts and cultural sector, and the partnership is an encouraging achievement in the light of a challenging economic climate.
Woody Kerr, Vice-chairman, Europe, BNY Mellon
said:
“Throughout its history, BNY Mellon has consistently promoted
the arts given the key role they play in the heritage and
cultural life of local communities. Craig Mackay’s Salt of the
Earth exhibition is a fantastic example of this. In exploring
the remarkable and far-reaching influence of Scots over the
centuries, the exhibition highlights the rich heritage of Scotland
and one of its most important exports – its people.”
Craig Mackay has shown his work extensively in solo and joint exhibitions throughout the UK, Europe and the United States. His distinctive style and interaction with each subject results in highly individual works of art, which are prized by international collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Further information or images from Hannah Dolby, Darren Hutchison or Kerryn Fraser, Press Office. Tel. (0131) 247 4288 or email h.dolby@nms.ac.uk. Website http://www.nms.ac.uk/
14 October 2009
Note to Editors
1. About the Bank of New York Mellon
BNY Mellon is the corporate brand of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE: BK). BNY Mellon is a global financial services company focused on helping clients manage and service their financial assets, operating in 34 countries and serving more than 100 markets. The company is a leading provider of financial services for institutions, corporations and high-net-worth individuals, providing superior asset management and wealth management, asset servicing, issuer services, clearing services and treasury services through a worldwide client-focused team. It has $20.7 trillion in assets under custody and administration, $926 billion in assets under management, services $11.8 trillion in outstanding debt and processes global payments averaging $1.8 trillion per day.
Throughout our 225 year history, BNY Mellon has supported non-profit organisations addressing cultural awareness and access, economic vitality, education and urgent human needs. We are proud to have worked with many of the world’s leading art, cultural and philanthropic institutions, and to have supported them with charitable investment, sponsorships and through the volunteer efforts of our employees.
Additional information is available at http://www.bnymellon.com/.
2. Homecoming Scotland 2009 aims to engage Scots at home as well as motivate people of Scottish descent and those who simply love Scotland, to take part in an inspirational celebration of our culture, heritage and some of the many great contributions Scotland has given to the world. Homecoming Scotland is funded by the Scottish Government and is managed by EventScotland the national events agency in partnership with VisitScotland, the country’s national tourism agency. Homecoming is part financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund. For more information on Homecoming Scotland please visit: http://www.homecomingscotland2009.com/
3. Please note that National Museums Scotland (no ‘of’ or ‘the’) is our corporate name. Our individual museums are called the National Museum of Scotland, National Museum of Flight, National Museum of Rural Life, National Museum of Costume and National War Museum.
Exhibition sponsored by