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!

Private View for Future Folklore: The Art and Craft of Storytelling

By The Maclaurin Gallery • March 31, 2026
We were delighted to host the Private View for Visual Arts Scotland on Saturday afternoon and what a turn out it was!  This exhibition FUTURE FOLKLORE: THE ART AND CRAFT OF STORYTELLING has over 300 pieces of contemporary art on display and, as a result, we also had a very busy Private View! The exhibition was opened by Chair of the Maclaurin Trust, John Walker, along with Amanda Airey, Trustee of Visual Arts Scotland. Visual Arts Scotland supports over 1400 artists and makers in and around Scotland and we are very fortunate that VAS brings this major show across to Ayrshire. Please take advantage of it being right here on your doorstep! As always, entry is free to the gallery and all artworks for sale. Keep an eye out for some of our Ayrshire artists taking part as well.

Future Folklore: The Art and Craft of Storytelling

By The Maclaurin Gallery • March 6, 2026
Coming Soon from VISUAL ARTS SCOTLAND Private View: Saturday 28 March 2026 2pm. Exhibition Runs: Sunday 29 March - Wednesday 27 May

Ayr Sketch Club – Celebrating 125 Years

By The Maclaurin Gallery • January 30, 2026
Always a popular event here at The Maclaurin, is the Annual Ayr Sketch Club exhibition and they had a busy Private Viewing last Saturday. In addition, this year they celebrate having been in continuous operation for 125 years! The exhibition covers 3 galleries, showcasing works from 47 of their exhibiting members. Whilst the show is running, the Club’s volunteers will be on duty to chat about their work. Look out for their special edition brochure, giving an interesting insight into the history of the Club, as well as inviting new members. This exhibition continues until 8 March. President of Ayr Sketch Club - Janette Coughtrie - opening the show. (Image courtesy of Ayr Sketch Club)