Peacock & the worm

Robert Graves by Ralph Steadman.

Born on this day, Robert von Ranke Graves (24 July 1895 – 7 December 1985) was an English poet, soldier, historical novelist and critic. His father was Alfred Perceval Graves, a celebrated Irish poet and figure in the Gaelic revival; they were both Celticists and students of Irish mythology.

Robert Graves produced more than 140 works in his lifetime. His poems, his translations and innovative analysis of the Greek myths, his memoir of his early life-including his role in World War I-Good-Bye to All That (1929), and his speculative study of poetic inspiration The White Goddess have never been out of print. He is also a renowned short story writer, with stories such as "The Tenement" still being popular today.

He earned his living from writing, particularly popular historical novels such as I, Claudius; King Jesus; The Golden Fleece; and Count Belisarius. He also was a prominent translator of Classical Latin and Ancient Greek texts; his versions of The Twelve Caesars and The Golden Ass remain popular for their clarity and entertaining style. Graves was awarded the 1934 James Tait Black Memorial Prize for both I, Claudius and Claudius the God.

Part of the 'Writers Series'. Published by Peacock during Ralph's residency in the early 90's, a prolific period for both artist and printmaking studio where over 80 works were produced between 1992 and 1994. This print by Steadman is part of an edition of 20. Second photo by Alan Young.

View all our available Steadman prints via the link - https://peacock.studio/shopping/products/robert-graves-ralph-steadman

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PEACOCK AT 50
art is a thing of the future / art is a thing of the past / art is a thing of the present

Although Peacock has reached a milestone in our 50th year, our Columbian printing presses is even older!

As the print museum says, "The Columbian Press was the first metal press in America. It was invented in 1813 by an American named George Clymer in Philadelphia. Clymer’s patriotism is apparent in the distinctly American symbols he chose to adorn this press, such as the bald eagle, the cornucopia, and Lady Columbia, gem of the ocean. The decorative symbols on the press also represent the functionality of the press. The creatures at the top of the press, which might at first glance appear to be dragons or serpents, are actually dolphins to represent knowledge. Dolphins also have a connection to the early printer, Aldus Manutius, who used the symbol in his publications".

Although we don't have an exact date for our press, we believe it was made around 1860 by Thomas Long & Co., Engineers and Machine Makers in Edinburgh. From then til now, the Columbian press is used in our studio and continues to be a trusty press for those who need it.

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PEACOCK AT 50
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This week you'll find two very exciting exhibitions opening in Edinburgh featuring work by Peacock studio members Emily Weaver and Ade Adesina.

With a preview tonight at Leith Makers, Plume is a new body of work created by artist Emily Weaver who's previously shown at the RSA and Outer Spaces. Emily creates unique installations which draw the viewer in, providing a glimpse into a world of wonder, colour and magic!

Plume is on show at Leith Makers from 24th - 28th July so be sure to check it out.
More info - https://www.instagram.com/gargobo/

Also opening this Friday is INTERSECTION by Ade Adesina along with Stories of the Unseen by Tayo Adekunle at Edinburgh Printmakers.

INTERSECTION combines objects, places and scenes from Ade's African roots, British culture, and encounters whilst travelling into visually captivating landscapes.
More info - https://edinburghprintmakers.co.uk/viewing-room/61-intersection-ade-adesina/

Stories of the Unseen is a presentation of work from photographer and visual artist, Tayo Adekunle. Adekunle’s practice explores issues surrounding race, gender and sexuality as well as racial and colonial history, predominantly through portraiture and self-portraiture.

Both exhibitions open this Friday and run until 10th November.

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PEACOCK AT 50
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Great to see studio member Eva Crawford-McKee feature on People of Print LTD. You can check out the feature here - https://www.peopleofprint.com/solo-artist/eva-crawford-mckee/

And check out Eva’s Aberdeen prints on our site here - https://peacock.studio/shopping/artist:Crawford-McKee,%20Eva

Thanks for including us in your tour Love Rara Kidz Ltd, a wonderful group of kids 🎈

After the success of their 'Constructed Narratives' show at Aberdeen Art Gallery, were delighted to see the exhibition on view at the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh.

The exhibition is by Aberdeen-born RSA Academicians Lennox Dunbar RSA, Ian Howard RSA and Arthur Watson PPRSA. All three artist have played an important part in the development of our print studio with Arthur and Lennox playing key roles in the studios foundation in the 70's and 80s and the creation of one of the studios most ambitious print projects, the 'Hermetic Diagrams' suite.

You can browse our available prints by each artist online via our webshop with a variety of works still available. You can also use the Own Art scheme to purchase work from Peacock by spreading the cost over 10 interest free payments.

Featured artworks:
Paper Size: 106 X 76 cm
Medium: Screenprint
Edition Size: 10
Year: 1995
Price: £550 or 10 x payments of £55
Purchase here - https://worm.gallery/shopping/products/chalice-ian-howard

Harvest by Lennox Dunbar
Paper Size: 56 x 76 cm
Medium: Collagraph
Edition Size: 16
Year: 1999
Price: £220 or 10 x payments of £22
Purchase here - https://worm.gallery/shopping/products/harvest

Pandrop Tower by Arthur Watson
Paper Size: 57.5 x 40 cm
Medium: Screenprint with Chine-collé and blind emboss
Edition Size: 30
Year: 1982
Price: £450 or 10 x payments of £45
Purchase here - https://worm.gallery/shopping/products/pandrop-tower

Remeber to use our discount code PEACOCK50 at the checkout for an extra 10% off, contact us directly to take advantage of the Own Art scheme or visit us in person to find out more.

Here's a Sunday throwback to the Aberdeen Peoples Press exhibition and events from 2021.

Aberdeen People’s Press operated between 1973 and 1984, publishing a fortnightly alternative local newspaper, pamphlets and books, as well as providing a printing service for a wide range of radical groups, community newspapers, trade unions and campaigning organisations.

In addition to its printing and publishing activities, Aberdeen People’s Press also acted as a hub, a meeting place for many of the city’s activist groups, a node in a wide network of people and communities across the city, Scotland and the UK.

To read more about the show click here - https://worm.gallery/showing/another-world-is-possible

Watch the first of our APP online talks here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNBsWCgOcgk

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PEACOCK AT 50
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Peacock & Worm – Another world is possible: Aberdeen People’s Press operated between 1973 and 1984, publishing a fortnightly alternative local newspaper, pamphlets and books, as well as providing a printing service for a wide range of radical groups, community newspapers, trade unions and campaigning organisations.

There's still a few places left on our next class, introduction to reductive linocut printing. Check the link for booking and details about the class which takes place next Saturday, 27th July.

Introduction to Reductive Linocut Printing A 1 day course to learn this relief printing process and create chiaroscuro linocut prints.

We've had some lovely visitors in to see the Frances Walker show at The Print Room, including Frances herself who is delighted with the exhibition.

We also had a special visit from some of her ex students from the Grays School of Art class of 74 who fondly reminisced about their time at art school together, the bonds of friendship forged in the corridors and the important guidance and advice given by their lecturer, Frances Walker. See if you can spot her in the faculty photo on the last slide.

Be sure to check out Frances Walker - A selection of print works from Peacock, 2010 - 2022, open today at The Print Room until 5pm.

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Browse Peacock Prints Online 🦚

You can browse our available prints online via our webshop with a wide variety of works available. You can also use the Own Art scheme to purchase work from Peacock by spreading the cost over 10 interest free payments, read more about the Own Art scheme here - https://peacock.studio/informations/own-art

Our organisation is supported by Aberdeen City Council and Creative Scotland. We also fundraise for our work through the kind support of individuals, public funders, sponsors, charitable trusts and foundations, and sales from our renowned co-publishing model, producing limited edition prints with national and international artists.

All money generated from print sales is reinvested directly into the print studio and supports our Open Access studio and community printmaking programmes. Your support is very much appreciated.

Featured artworks:

Posy by Claire Roberts
Paper Size: 60 x 45 cm
Medium: Woodcut
Edition Size: 7
Year: 2024
Price: £700 or 10 payments of £70
Purchase here - https://peacock.studio/shopping/products/posy

Sleekit by Donald Urquhart
Paper Size: 71 x 52.5 cm
Medium: Etching
Edition Size: 20
Year: 2012
Price £375 or 10 payments of £37.50
Purchase here - https://peacock.studio/shopping/products/sleekit-donald-urquhart

Wild Shore by Frances Walker
Paper Size: 76 x 106 cm
Medium: Etching with Screenprint
Edition Size: 26
Year: 2015
Price: £3000 or 10 x payments of £300 or 20 x payments of £150
Purchase here - https://peacock.studio/shopping/products/wild-shore

Remeber to use our discount code PEACOCK50 at the checkout for an extra 10% off, contact us directly to take advantage of the Own Art scheme or visit us in person to find out more.

Introduction to Aquatint 1 day course.

Join printmaker Jodi Le Bigre where she will teach you about different aspects of the aquatint process.

Book your place here - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/introduction-to-aquatint-tickets-947320118977

Aquatint is an intaglio process that allows artists to create beautiful tonal images. Often this process is used alongside etched lines, but in this course we will be taking inspiration from artists like William Daniell (1769–1837) who used subtle tonal variations alone to create striking prints. This one-day course with printmaker Jodi Le Bigre will give both beginners and those with some etching background the opportunity to explore tonal mark making on copper plates and to get comfortable printing these plates on the etching press.

The course will take place on Friday 16th August from 10:00 - 17:00

Workshop participants will also receive 2 free complimentary open access sessions to continue their printmaking journey.

Concession rates are available for Students, OAPs, Unemployed.

For those who are signed up to our newsletter, check your inboxes. Covering our current exhibitions, a recap of our Peacock at 50 weekend and up coming events & classes.

For those who aren't signed up, you can still keep up to date with whats on at Peacock & the worm this month via the link - https://mailchi.mp/peacockvisualarts/news-from-peacock-and-the-worm-feb24-9918904

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PEACOCK AT 50
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Introduction to Screen Monoprinting 1 day course.

Perfect for begginers, working with printmaker James Vass participants will gain an insight into the colourful process of screen Monoprinting. Painting directly onto screens and using the screenprint process to make painterly and loosely styled images.

Book your place here - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/introduction-to-screen-monoprinting-tickets-947305114097

'Mono' from the Greek ‘alone’ is a term which, when placed in front of ‘print’ - defines the technique of producing an image once. Rather than editioning multiple copies in a uniform manner, this approach is more fluid and intuition-led. Some elements are regulated. However, there is a spontaneity to each print due to the variable nature of applying paint directly onto the screen.

The course will take place on Saturday 3rd August from 10:00 - 17:00

Workshop participants will also receive 2 free complimentary open access sessions to continue their printmaking journey.

Concession rates are available for Students, OAPs, Unemployed.

Introduction to Reductive Linocut Printing 1 day course.

Perfect for begginers, printmaker James Vass will guide you through the reductive linocut process in which class participants will make multi toned prints from a single block of lino over the course of the day.

Book your place here - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/introduction-to-reductive-linocut-printing-tickets-947305986707

In art, chiaroscuro is the use of strong contrasts between light and dark, usually bold contrasts affecting a whole composition. It is also a technical term used by artists and art historians for the use of contrasts of light to achieve a sense of volume in modelling three-dimensional objects and figures. Similar effects in cinema, and black and white and low-key photography, are also called chiaroscuro.

The course will take place on Saturday 27th July from 10:00 - 17:00

Workshop participants will also receive 2 free complimentary open access sessions to continue their printmaking journey.

Concession rates are available for Students, OAPs, Unemployed.

We hosted a fun beastly drawing workshop with our bestiary artist Sadie Main at Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums 🦎

With unicorn inspired colouring in followed by a guided tour of the bestiary exhibition and finished off with some quick fire animal drawing featuring 🐿️ 🦥 🐱 🦄 🐀 and a whole menagerie of cute creatures.

Thank you to Sadie for leading the workshop and sharing valuable insight into her creative process, to Aberdeen Art Gallery for hosting and to all our workshop participants.

Be sure to keep an eye on our socials for more drawing and Bestiary related workshops coming soon!

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PEACOCK AT 50
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The New Aberdeen Bestiary is currently on show at Aberdeen Art Gallery and features work by Abdulrazaq Awofeso, Delaine Le Bas, Joy Charpentier, Carla Filipe, Julio Jara, Sadie Main & Pedro G. Romero⁠.

Prompted by the amount of marginalia in the medieval text, the notes, comments and corrections, the sketches and doodles that move away from the page into the unbound wilderness of the margins, the New Aberdeen Bestiary looks at the liminal spaces between categories, where categories shift and morph into one another; the blurry areas between animal and beast.

Peacock director Nuno Sacramento says "“In the new show we wanted to focus attention on what happens in the unexplored territory along the margins and we are delighted with the resulting prints which are now on show.”

“This year we are proud to be celebrating five decades of telling stories through image-making, of training thousands of artists, and of preparing the leaders that will take Peacock into the future - so that in another 50 years, the Peacock is still singing and dancing.”

The exhibition runs from now until the 5th January and can be located in Gallery 16 and is open during normal gallery hours. Check out the our socials for more details of upcoming Bestiary events over the coming months.

Images by Steve Smith

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WHITE LABEL - CONCEPTUAL ACID TEST EP⁠
White Label is a collaborative project by David & Raydale Dower⁠
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Conceptual propositions overlay a joyous assembly of electronic sound. An aggregate of spoken word and analogue acid. Four slices of dry vocals and sparkling sound on a 12” single.⁠
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12" vinyl record in screenprinted sleeve with A3 Risograph printed folded lyric insert.⁠
Recorded at Headplant, Glasgow, 2024⁠
Mastered by Iban Perez, Terraforma Studio, Spain⁠
Pressed by Seabass Vinyl, Scotland⁠
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Listen here - https://whitelabel4.bandcamp.com/album/conceptual-acid-test
Purchase here - https://peacock.studio/shopping/products/conceptual-acid-test-ep
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Photo 2 & 3 by Steve Smith⁠
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Thanks to Susan Mansfield at The Scotsman for visiting Peacock on our 50th birthday weekend. You can read Susan’s take on the weekend in the Scotsman Magazine in todays paper.

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🐀 Public talk: New Aberdeen Bestiary Curator Talk by Nuno Sacramento
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Nuno Sacramento, Director/Curator of Peacock & the worm, provides an insight into the curatorial process which shaped the New Aberdeen Bestiary and explores the work of the seven artists involved in the exhibition. The talk will be hosted at Aberdeen Art Gallery on Saturday 24th August from 2 - 3.30pm.
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Informed by the manuscript known as the Aberdeen Bestiary, seven international artists selected an animal, real or imagined, and explored its symbolic, social, and cultural significance. In collaboration with Peacock’s printmakers, each realised a collection of prints composing the New Aberdeen Bestiary: a three year long project that gathers new stories and new voices. The result is a multifaceted, shapeshifting collection that challenges systems of classification which impose monolithic moral and ethical values.

Prompted by the amount of marginalia in the medieval text, the notes, comments and corrections, the sketches and doodles that move away from the page into the unbound wilderness of the margins, the New Aberdeen Bestiary looks at the liminal spaces between categories, where categories shift and morph into one another; the blurry areas between animal and beast.
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Special thanks to Aberdeen Art Gallery for hosting and all their help in setting up. the exhibition and events. Read more about the New Aberdeen Bestiary here - https://worm.gallery/showing/new-aberdeen-bestiary

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A little throwback to 1989 with George Wyllie working on new prints at the studio 🎨

George Wyllie in 1989 at Peacock & the worm Aberdeen putting finishing flourishes to the series of prints which are on display throughout the Wyllieum and our upstairs restaurant Scotts Greenock.

The Wyllieum is open Wednesday to Sunday 12-5pm year round.

Images of George Wyllie and his artwork ©️the George Wyllie Estate

📸 David Atherton

Peacock is open with 3 creative spaces across Aberdeen where you can view and make prints.

Our printmaking studio is located just off the Castlegate, just follow the sign next to no 20. The studio is an open access space for anyone interested in learning about print making through our public classes or you can use the facilities to work on your personal print projects. Open Tuesday to Saturday.

The Worm is located at 11 Castle Street and is home to our Risograph printer and letter press type. Alongside classes in both we also host regular exhibitions with the current show ‘Prints, Prints, Prints’ showcasing work from the Peacock collection. Open Wednesday to Saturday.

Further up Union Street is The Print Room, part of the Outer Spaces initiative to provide studio space for artists and collectives utilising empty retail units. The Print Room has hosted numerous exhibitions and events, the current show featuring work by Peacock founder Frances Walker CBE RSA RSW. Open Thursday to Saturday.

Be sure to visit Peacock and check out our stories for a virtual look inside our spaces 👀

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PEACOCK AT 50
art is a thing of the future / art is a thing of the past / art is a thing of the present

We're sharing a few more photos from last weekends Mono screen printing class.

Our class participants really enjoyed learning about the printing process and were quick to apply the technique to create their own distinctive prints. As we head into the summer we'll be organising more introduction and taster courses so be sure to sign up to our monthly newsletter for the latest information and dates for these.

Along with our classes we also offer 1 to 1 tuition in screenprint, lithography, etching, woodcut, letterpress and risograph. These sessions are open to everyone from begginers to experienced printmakers, Peacock cater to all abilities and skill levels. We also offer private group tuition so if you or a group of friends would like to try your hand at something new then simply get in touch at [email protected]

Well done to all of our printers from the weekend and do visit us again soon.

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Today, we have a Screen Monoprinting introduction class in the Peacock studio. Following a technical overview by printmaker James Vass, participants have been experimenting with the process to produce works in line with their artistic practice. ⁠
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Most arrive with an idea in mind, but the beauty of Screen Monoprinting is that sometimes, the most successful marks - are discovered when the artist is working in the moment. Vass describes the practice as an excellent way to alleviate periods of creative block! ⁠
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'Mono' from the Greek ‘alone’ is a term which, when placed in front of ‘print’ - defines the technique of producing an image once. Rather than editioning multiple copies in a uniform manner, this approach is more fluid and intuition-led. Some elements are regulated. However, there is a spontaneity to each print due to the variable nature of applying paint directly onto the screen as our workshop participants discovered in todays class. ⁠
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Stay in the loop for future inductions and classes by following our socials and subscribing to our newsletter here - https://peacockvisualarts.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=43334be604d9f71a6387e742c&id=4bd0dccf91
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Check out this wonderful short film from Luminate: Scotland’s creative ageing organisation highlighting the importance of the work they do in our communities across Scotland.

If you're not familiar with Luminate they work across Scotland to ensure that older people’s creativity can flourish whatever their circumstances, experience, interests and ambitions. They are the leadership organisation for creative ageing in Scotland.

Peacock had the pleasure of hosting a Luminate residency with Shetland based artist Joyce Davies last year which led to a pop up exhibition at our Print Room space. Joyce has been a great advocate for both Peacock and Luminate so be sure to check out her part in the short film below.

Watch their new short film here - www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7CTvj7FJJw

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Join us in the Art Gallery learning space for a special 'Drawing Beasts' event with local artist Sadie Main.

🗓 Drawing Beasts with Sadie Main
📍 The Learning Space, Aberdeen Art Gallery
🗓 14.00 - 16:00pm, Saturday 13th July⁠

Aberdeen-based artist Sadie Main loves animals – real ones! She makes the exception for the unicorn, Scotland’s national animal. The unicorn is the seventh and the last animal of the 'New Aberdeen Bestiary', which emerged from Sadie’s long-lasting collaboration with Peacock printmaker Jonathan Comerford. Sadie leads this drawing workshop for adults and young adults inspired by her practice and the works on display in Gallery 16, the New Aberdeen Bestiary.

Book your space here - https://thelittleboxoffice.com/aagm/book/event/200461

We have a series of events running alongside the New Aberdeen Bestiary over the coming months so keep an eye on our socials for more details coming soon.

Special thanks to Aberdeen Art Gallery for hosting and all their help in setting up.⁠

📷 Iain Cridland
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Thank you to the team at Outer Spaces for their support ❤️

Aberdeen City Council are looking for input from the creative sector in Aberdeen.

Click the survey link to share your views and find information below - https://consultation.aberdeencity.gov.uk/place/cultural-investment-framework-survey-2024/

Cultural Investment Framework Consultation 2024

Early this year Councillors issued an instruction to revise Council cultural funding processes to ensure the priorities and objectives of funding was more clear and the decision making process more transparent.

Around the same time the refreshed Aberdeen Local Outcome Improvement Plan (LOIP) was published setting out the collective vision for all Aberdonians to thrive, regardless of background and circumstances.

Aberdeen City Council are now consulting on draft options for revised cultural funding in the city including proposed aims, priorities and principles. We would be very grateful for your help by taking the time to answer this short questionnaire which will inform a final report on the proposals.