Welcome to the Wick Society

About this recording

Ian Pearson came to Caithness in 1981 to take up the position as Head of the Scientific Glass Blowing Department at the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, Dounreay, Caithness, where he worked until his retirement in 2015. Ian set up the studio Glass Creations in Thurso in 1990 and continues to work there as a creative glass artist.

He has been a member of the Society of Caithness Artists for nearly forty years and has been Chair for the last ten. The committee of volunteers gives up their time to run, publicise and hang artwork for the annual exhibition.

During this interview, Ian explains how he was encouraged to join the society by its secretary, the late Henrietta Munro, who owned the 'Ships Wheel' antique shop in Thurso. She also urged Ian to display his abstract glass sculptures at the society's annual exhibition.

Ian explains that the annual exhibition has had various venues throughout its 80-year history, including Thurso Town Hall, now the location for the North Coast Visitor Centre. He recalls the challenge of transporting large paintings and sculptures to the upper floor of the building at a time prior to a lift being installed.

Ian says, "Preview night was the event to be seen at.”

As Chair of the Society of Caithness Artists, Ian is responsible for the society's extensive archive. During this interview, he highlights some significant events and achievements of the society including an exhibition held jointly with Kirkwall Arts Club in 1952. Ian reads an extract describing the honour they felt and the challenges they faced as they exhibited paintings and drawings at an exhibition in Edinburgh.

Ian describes more recent events such as the online art exhibitions held during the pandemic. In addition, he explains how local artists joined forces to raise funds for the Ukraine appeal, by giving the public a chance to snap up a 'mystery' piece of work at an event in Castlehill Heritage Centre.

Ian is passionate about all aspects of art and encourages everyone to be as creative as possible. He sees the Society of Caithness Artists as an 'umbrella' body to help those with a desire to express themselves using visual arts as a medium.

The 2022 Society of Caithness Artists' annual exhibition will be held at North Highland College, UHI from 25th July - 5th August.

Photo - IRP Lathework at Hampshire R&D, Southampton by John Turnock

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