The Maclaurin Art Gallery News

The Collaboration Process - John Byrne

The Maclaurin Gallery • August 20, 2025

We are delighted with the feedback from visitors to our current exhibitions and in particular the ‘Celebrating John Byrne’. All down to our special collaboration with The Glasgow Print Studio, The Royal Scottish Academy, The Fine Art Society, Edinburgh and of course, John’s daughter Celie Byrne. All resulting in this unique collection of Byrne’s work, some of which is being displayed in public for the first time.


Whilst the exhibition has been running, we have been able to host 2 sessions of print demonstrations relating to Byrne’s work, thanks to Master Printer Ian McNicol, revealing the collaborative process between artist and printer. The audiences were given a fascinating insight into life in the Glasgow Print Studio when Byrne was around. Ian himself, creating many of Byrne’s prints, some of which form part of the exhibition. With etching plates from the Byrne archive, Ian talked us through the preparation and went on to print off a few of the familiar images on an etching press. These hour long sessions were well attended and enjoyed by all.


Here are some photos from the sessions. The Byrne exhibition continues until 31 August, there’s still time if you haven’t been in yet!

Improvements to the Courtyard

By The Maclaurin Gallery • July 7, 2025
Improvements to the Courtyard Things are happening in the courtyard thanks to some amazing volunteers who have given up their time to help Friends of the Maclaurin maintain the planting area in the courtyard. Over the last few years the Friends have renewed the seating outside the gallery, providing benches and picnic tables for visitors to sit out in the sunny weather. This year we lost our plant supplier and so a group of green fingered volunteers kindly stepped up and planted a new herbaceous border in our big trough on Thursday! They’re a hardy bunch too, with all the work done in the rain! It's an amazing job and huge thanks to the newly formed Courtyard team, Pattie Kewney, Geoff Caldwell and Kayte Mapes. When we spoke with Pattie on Thursday she summed up the day’s efforts, explaining, “We’re soaked to the skin but pleased with the result! There is always a good feeling about volunteering and contributing what we can for the enjoyment of the community.” Yes indeed, everyone benefits from this and we all appreciate the team’s sterling effort. A few photos, before and after, and, in case you wondered how many potted plants you can fit into a compact car...

Cultural Icon - John Byrne

By The Maclaurin Gallery • July 4, 2025
More excitement at the weekend, along with some good weather, when we launched the CELEBRATING JOHN BYRNE exhibition on Saturday. We were delighted to welcome John Byrne’s daughter Celie, to open the show.

Flower Kings and Nobles - Lex McFadyen’s Solo Exhibition

By The Maclaurin Gallery • June 9, 2025
This vibrant selection of predominately new work by Scottish artist Lex McFadyen, adorns gallery one. Most of his work was completed in his sunny French studio at Noyers-sur-Serein, Burgundy. Each one a shining jewel on the canvas and, so far, has proved a popular show with visitors. Images here are from launch day on 24 May and show Lex alongside the gallery’s curator Dianne Gardner. McFadyen grew up in Ayrshire before completing his degree at Glasgow School of Art and he went on to have a successful career in fashion. Now he has come full circle, returning to his first love of painting and we are delighted that he has returned to Ayrshire for a solo show! This exhibition runs until 30 June. There’s still time to see it… or call in again for another look! All artwork is for sale and affordably priced, original artwork. The perfect statement piece to transform any wall in your home.