An exciting exhibition exploring and explaining the fascinating world of peat bogs through a wide range of artistic techniques is now on display at the Thomas Tosh Gallery, Thornhill. The exhibition aims to raise awareness of peat bogs, both as an important natural resource for carbon sequestration and as a fascinating ecosystem in which to observe organism interactions and functions.

Aberdeen based Macaulay Land Use Research Institute is supporting the exhibition through a Knowledge Exchange Grant to South Lanarkshire based artist Carol Taylor who has also undertaken research on the links between plants and art with the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh.

Carol Taylor with her work ‘Sphagnum blanket’

Dr Andy Taylor and Dr Rebekka Artz from the Institute whose work inspired some of the painting in the collection said, “Awareness of peat bogs is most often governed by images of water logged, simple landscapes with little amenity or conservation value, whereas the reality of the system is far from these images. It could be argued that a global level, peat bogs are Scotland’s most iconic soils.

Working in collaboration with artists who utilise the natural world for images and inspirations, the exhibition will utilise different visual media to convey how bogs are formed and maintained and the organisms that are crucial to their functioning.”

Carol Taylor said, “I feel it is vital to explore ways in which artists, scientists and community can work together. Art can be used as a means to raise awareness about sustainability and other environmental issues and I’m delighted to be showcasing my work and unveiling the beauty hidden in bogs.”

The ‘Beauty and the Bog’ exhibition which includes paintings and limited edition prints inspired by native Scottish plants takes place at the Thomas Tosh Gallery, Thornhill until 10th July 2010.

ENDS

Information for Editors:

Beauty and the Bog

Fifty-four pieces of art will be exhibited including 11 canvases paintings during the period of the Knowledge Exchange Grant from the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute. The remainder of the show involves paintings and limited edition prints inspired by Scottish native plants plus scanning electron micrographs of moss and lichens.

Carol Taylor

Artist Carol Taylor lives and works in rural South Lanarkshire. She is currently involved in collaborations with scientists from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh who “explore and explain the world of plants” to investigate ways in which artists, scientists and community can work together to combat pollution and raise awareness about sustainability and other environmental issues.

Thomas Tosh

The Thomas Tosh Gallery is situated at 19 East Morton Street, Thornhill, Dunfries and Galloway. The Gallery is open on Monday – Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Admission is free.

Macaulay Land Use Research Institute

The Macaulay Land Use Research Institute was founded in 1930 and is an international centre for research and consultancy on the environmental and social consequences of rural land uses. With an annual income from research and consultancy of over £14m, the Institute is the largest interdisciplinary research organisation of its kind in Europe, and aims to provide evidence to help shape future environmental and rural-development policy on a national and international basis.