Glass Act
Monday 15th March 2010
The first samples of the glass circles that will be used to form shop numbers for Alloa's Primrose Street have been fired at local glass studio Retro Glass.
International artist Keiko Mukaide has worked with the company for the last few months getting the colour and texture just right for the unique pieces that will form a major feature of the popular town centre street.
Keiko said: "We chose the yellow shade because it was close to the colour that was used in the old railway carriages, and the original station was at the end of Primrose Street. The glass colour will change as you progress along the street, from yellow to red.
"The glass is a material which is presented Alloa's history. I designed the gradation of colours which would only be achieved using the hand-made skills of a craftsman; it's what makes each piece unique. It's great to see these samples in flesh."
Traders and residents in Primrose Street first saw the designs for the glass numbers at a presentation evening held by the Imagine Alloa project early in February, where they were well received.
Council Leader Janet Cadenhead said: "We're investing heavily in Primrose Street at the moment, including changing gutters and freshening up paint work. All of this work is to create a blank canvas for the art pieces and Keiko's work is a very good example of the creative thought that has gone into each commissioned art piece. The glass looks fantastic and I'm sure when all of the numbers have been fixed to the buildings they will really lift the look and feel of the street."
As well as being an artist, Keiko lectures at the glass department in the Edinburgh College of Art. It is Scotland's only and oldest glass department, being more than 150 years old. Last week Keiko also brought some of her students to Alloa for a tour of the glass works and a visit to Retro Glass. They also had a lecture on glass history in Alloa, from the Council's Museum's Officer, Susan Mills.
Keiko said: "Art can make a space really work if it's organised well, and it has to relate to the local community. I hope the local people like the new developments, and take ownership of them, which is why we've worked so hard with people in the street to let them know about our creative ideas."
Keiko's work has been exhibited at the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh, the Tate St Ives and York's St Mary's Church. All of her work is inspired by the environment of the area where the art will be displayed. She has also has worked for the Hub Edinburgh Festival Centre and exhibited internationally.
Note to editor
The Clackmannanshire Alliance, led by the Council, worked with Clackmannanshire Business and Alloa Town Centre BID to successfully secure £2million from the Scottish Government's regeneration fund earlier this year. Together with additional money from Fairer Scotland, the town centre is benefiting from a massive £2.4 million investment.
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