Published: 25 May 2021
Hospitalfield is an exceptional resource for contemporary artists and local and international audiences in Arbroath, Scotland. A place to work, study, learn, visit and enjoy, it has been undergoing a visionary new redevelopment - the first elements of which will be revealed to the public from 27 May 2021 alongside a major new outdoor art work by Mick Peter, the first of a series of artist commissions to be unveiled in 2021.
Hospitalfield plans to restore key elements of the iconic site over the next five years. First to launch will be the new garden and restored 19th century fernery and a glass house café. In response to the 800 year horticultural history of the site at Hospitalfield, the Garden will open alongside the newly restored fernery and glass house cafe designed by Stirling Prize Winning Architects Caruso St John, their first project in Scotland. The cafe run by award winning chef Simon Brown will serve locally sourced menus and produce grown and harvested in the garden. Cafe interiors have also been designed by artists, including a new series of tables by Mick Peter in collaboration with ThreeFourFive Furniture.
Image: Louise Galloway of Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh delivers a tree fern to Hospitalfield’s newly restored fernery. Photo: Lesley Martin.
The £11m Future Plan which will see a restoration of the 19th century Arts & Craft house and studios including a newly developed garden inside Hospitalfield’s distinctive double Walled Garden, designed by Nigel Dunnett. Residential facilities for artists include the 19th century purpose built artist studios and a renovation of the historic house and new gallery and visitor centre will also follow in the coming years.
The new young garden will be in full bloom later this summer and features a sustainable planting design to promote self-seeding. The garden design will also reflect it’s monastic origins with space also for cultivating fruit and vegetables for the glass house cafe. Artists looking to add a growing element to their work will also be able to make the most out of plots within the garden whilst on residency.
The restoration of the Victorian fernery originally designed by Patrick Allan Fraser in the late 1800s sees the return of a roof and a managed fern collection for the first time in almost 100 years. The fernery with a new glass roof designed by Caruso St John will see over 20 types of fern gifted by Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh now taking root at Hospitalfield.
The 2021 artistic programme at Hospitalfield will also launch on 27th May with a series of outdoor sculptures by Mick Peter with further exhibitions, performances and screenings across the year.
Peter’s Gerroff! (or User Feedback) will be a series of scenes that create a narrative trail at Hospitalfield. The lifesize sculptures address in a humorous way, the ‘rules’ of engagement with art. Peter’s playful installations often incorporate imagery influenced by newspaper cartoons and his sculptures appear as enlarged drawings, remarkable in their sculptural flatness, which wittily undermine the significance and authority of sculpture whilst at the same time being an affectionate nod to this tradition. His work has most recently been seen in a major solo exhibition at BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art. Gerroff! (or User Feedback) is the Hospitalfield Annual Sculpture Commission for 2021. At Hospitalfield the works will be experienced outside in Hospitalfield’s grounds.
New commissions have been initiated through Hospitalfield’s Studio Time programme across the rest of 2021 and into 2022 will also include works by: Jade Montserrat, Luke Pell, Hanna Tuulikki, Rehana Zaman and Sally Hackett. The Studio Time commissioning model has been devised by Hospitalfield for the current times we are in, as artists need organisations to take a new view on how they work with artists. The commissioning process includes funding over a number of months to enable artists to take time in the studio to work on the early stages of their commission. In turn, this gives Hospitalfield time to support the commission to completion.
In summer 2021, Hospitalfield will also open The Judges lll; a vast work by Christina Mackie, held in the collection of Nottingham Castle Museum and Art Gallery. Originally made in 2013 to be installed within the Museum’s picture galleries, Mackie will install the work afresh in the Hospitalfield vast 19th century Picture Gallery, where it will be seen in Scotland for the first time.
Hospitalfield Picture Gallery. Photo by Ruth Clark.
Hospitalfield, nestled 15 miles north of Dundee in rural Angus, was originally the project of artist Patrick Allan-Fraser and his wife Elizabeth. Between 1843 and 1890, on the site of a 12th century Benedictine monastery, they created their alluring and highly crafted architectural vision. From 1901, following Patrick’s death, through close affiliation with art colleges in Dundee, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, Hospitalfield became a meeting point for many generations of artists, teachers and art students from across Scotland and beyond - and so it remains today.
Since 2012, Hospitalfield has been led by Director Lucy Byatt, who, along with her team, is moving forward ambitious plans to build a bright and exciting future for the site, through the forthcoming capital investment and an ambitious contemporary art programme. Exhibitions or commissions since 2012 have included Rachel Adams, Graham Fagan, Tamara Henderson, Lubaina Himid, France-Lise McGurn and Sekai Machache. The institution also runs an internationally respected residency programme, with previous residents including Adam Benmakhlouf, Chris Fite-Wassilak, Jade Montserrat, Cinzia Mutigli, Patrick Staff, Hardeep Pandhal, Kate V Robertson and Alberta Whittle. Hospitalifield also hosts teaching and workshops, including the Free Drawing School, and continues to develop its own art collection.
Lucy Byatt, Director, Hospitalfield, said, “We are pleased to begin our Future Plan and welcome visitors to see phase 1 this spring, enjoying the new outdoor artworks, freshly planted garden and lush fernery ahead of settling down in our new cafe to enjoy something to eat. As we launch this spring, we begin an ambitious five year period of work to secure a dynamic future for Hospitalfield, allowing the organisation to continue to fulfill a unique role in the cultural life of the country. Hospitalfield’s Future Plan will create ‘a campus’ around the original Arts & Crafts building that will enhance the arts and cultural programmes and in so doing, establish a world class and fascinating destination for visitors whilst also creating an impressive facility for artists Our aim is to invest in the extraordinary heritage at Hospitalfield and in a future that is at the heart of the intention of the original 19th century bequest; to support artists and education in the arts. We are committed to interpreting this bequest through a contemporary prism that is right for our times.”
Nigel Dunnett commented, ‘’My aim for the design at Hospitalfield is to create a framework for exploration and discovery of the diverse histories and productive and symbolic uses of plants over the 800 years of the gardens’ existence, from their Medieval monastic origins through to the heights of Victorian exotica. It’s been a thoroughly absorbing and exciting experience to be able to work so closely with Hospitalfield staff and volunteers to unlock the incredible potential of this historic site’’.
Peter St John of Caruso St John Architects said, “It is exciting to see the construction and planting going on now in the garden at Hospitalfield. It’s a special place, and this investment will enable more people to enjoy it and get involved with all the activity that goes on there. This is our first project in Scotland, and it has been an interesting challenge working with the materials and details of the Arts and Crafts architecture, to make additions that feel like a renewal, and more than a restoration. The first part of the project includes the rebuilding of the fernery in the corner of the garden, with a new glass roof above the old stone walls, with their grottoes and galleries. It is a small but spectacular building that will add something really distinctive to the site.”
Angus Council Leader, Cllr David Fairweather said, “Hospitalfield House is a rare gem, for Arbroath, Angus and the whole of Tayside. Art and culture is very important part of the story of Angus but we’re also a very rural county, so this garden is a wonderful marriage of those things.
“We are excited to embrace the return of responsible tourism to Angus and Hospitalfield will be a major draw amongst the other delights that Angus can offer. However, Hospitalfield is much more than a visitor’s attraction. It’s a fabulous resource for local people, community groups and schools with whom it has forged strong links and it’s still fundamentally a place of growth and learning.
“This new redevelopment demonstrates that while honouring the past, Hospitalfield is absolutely future-focused, and is a great example of the regenerative power of the Tay Cities Deal.”
Amanda Catto, Head of Visual Arts, Creative Scotland said: “We’re hugely excited that Hospitalfield has successfully completed this first stage of its ambitious development plan, breathing new life into the gardens and creating excellent visitor facilities for local people and those travelling from further afield."
Economy Secretary Kate Forbes said: ‘I am delighted to see this example of the City and Regional Growth Deals delivering for the local area. This is a really important landmark for Hospitalfield House and the project to redevelop the site, to which we are contributing £5.5 million through the Tay Cities Region Deal. This is a significant part of the commitment by the wider Deal to the Culture and Tourism sector, which is such an important part of the regional economy.”
As the house and gardens re-open we’re especially looking forward to seeing the playful new sculptural work by the artist Mick Peter which will be available to view until the end of October. This is the first, important step in an ambitious and visionary plan that will strengthen Hospitalfield’s position as a major cultural centre in Angus, and a vital hub for the research, production and enjoyment of contemporary art in Scotland. We’re delighted to be supporting these developments with funding from the National Lottery.”
The project will be part funded by The Tay Cities Bid. The Tay Cities joint committee has confirmed Hospitalfield House in Arbroath as the inaugural project to receive £5.5million funding from Scottish Government, subject to the deal being signed and bringing with it £5.5million of complementary match funding.
Mick Peter’s Gerroff! (or User Feedback)
Hospitalfield House, Arbroath, DD11 2NH
27 May - October 31, 2021
Hospitalfield Gardens, Fernery and Cafe open Thursday to Sunday 10am to 5pm
General email: info@hospitalfield.org.uk
Website: www.hospitalfield.org.uk
Visitor telephone number: +44 (0) 1241656124
About Hospitalfield
Hospitalfield in Arbroath on the east coast of Scotland runs a highly regarded programme of residencies, commissions and events that focus on contemporary art and ideas alongside a programme that links to the 19th century historic collections and archives. The vision of the 19th century Scottish artist Patrick Allan Fraser, Hospitalfield is one of Scotland’s most important Art and Crafts houses. In 1902 the house was left in Trust and was established as an art college and then post graduate art school. The story of Hospitalfield is tightly bound to the story of Scottish art history through the art college and the fellowships and residencies that took place throughout the 20th century which included artists such as James Cowie, Joan Eardley and many other familiar names within Scottish modernism. Today Hospitalfield’s cultural programme, designed for a wide range of audiences and working between the heritage narratives of the site and contemporary cultural programming, is anchored in the visual arts yet encourages interdisciplinarity. We maintain strong national and international working partnerships with the aim of making Hospitalfield a meeting place and cultural catalyst in the working lives of artists and creative professionals in Scotland and far beyond.
About the Tay Cities Deal
The Tay Cities Deal is a partnership between local, Scottish and UK governments and the private, academic and voluntary sectors which seeks to create a smarter and fairer Angus, Dundee, Fife and Perth & Kinross under the headings Inclusive Tay; Innovative Tay; International Tay; Connected Tay and An Empowered Tay. In total, the 26 projects submitted require investment of £700 million of which £300 million over 10 years is being put in by the UK Government and Scottish Government, subject to final approval of robust business cases. If every project and programme set out in the submission is funded and delivered, up to 6,000 job opportunities could be created across the tourism, food and drink, creative industries, eco innovation, digital, decommissioning, engineering, biomedical and health and care sectors.
About Creative Scotland
Creative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland on behalf of everyone who lives, works or visits here. We distribute funding provided by the Scottish Government and The National Lottery. Further information at creativescotland.com. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Thanks to National Lottery players, around £30 million is raised every week for arts, community, education, environment, health, heritage and sport projects. Since 1994, The National Lottery has raised more than £42 billion for over 625,000 good causes across the UK. www.national-lottery.co.uk/
About Mick Peter
Mick Peter lives in Glasgow, UK. Mick Peter’s playful installations incorporate imagery influenced by illustration and commercial art. His sculptures are often enlarged drawings, used to animate the narrative of his exhibitions which satirise the symbols of power and authority as well as art making itself.
He has recently had solo shows at BALTIC (2019), Deborah Bowmann, Brussels (2018/19), Glasgow International (2018), Galerie Crèvecoeur, Paris (2017), Workplace, Gateshead (2016), Tramway, Glasgow (2015), and Drawing Room, London (2016), Popcorn Plaza, part of Generation: 25 Years of Contemporary Art in Scotland, Jupiter Artland (2014) and Almost Cut My Hair, part of Generation: 25 Years of Contemporary Art in Scotland, Tramway Hidden Gardens, (2014).
Recent group shows include ‘Voyage au long cours’ at FRACNormandie Caen (2018), Natural Selection' at Galerie 5, Angers (2016), France and 'Corps narratifs' at the Domaine départemental de Chamarande, Chamarande, France (2016). Puddle, pothole, portal at Sculpture Center, New York (2014), L’Echo at HAB Galerie - FRAC des Pays de la Loire, , (2014), Monument at FRAC Basse-Normandie, (2014), British British Polish Polish: Art from Europe's Edges in the Long '90s and Today at the Centre for Contemporary Art, Ujazdowski Castle, Warsaw, (2013)
Mick Peter collaborated with ThreeFourFive on the fabrication of the works to be shown. www.mickpeter.com
About Nigel Dunnett
Nigel Dunnett is Professor of Planting Design and Urban Horticulture in the Department of Landscape Architecture at the University of Sheffield, and is one of the world’s leading voices on innovative approaches to planting design. He is a plantsman, designer and pioneer of the new ecological approach to planting gardens and public spaces. His work revolves around the integration of ecology and horticulture to achieve low-input, high-impact landscapes that are dynamic, diverse, and tuned to nature.
Nigel’s work is based on decades of detailed experimental research, and widespread application in practice: he works as a designer and consultant and regularly collaborates with a wide range of other professions, and his work has been widely applied in the UK and abroad. In 2016 Nigel was appointed as an Ambassador for the Royal Horticultural Society, and is a former Garden Club of America International Fellow
Nigel has authored and co-authored key books on planting design, water-sensitive design, and urban rainwater management (Nigel Dunnett on Planting (Filbert Press 2019); Rain Gardens: sustainable management of rainwater in the designed Landscape (Timber Press 2007),; Green Roofs (Planting Green Roofs and Living Walls (Timber Press 2003)), and Urban Landscape Planting (The Dynamic Landscape: design, ecology and management of urban naturalistic planting (Taylor & Francis 2004). In Spring 2019 his book: The Essential Guide to Naturalistic Planting Design will be published (Filbert Press). He is a regular lecturer to audiences throughout the world.
Nigel’s projects include: The Queen Elizabeth London Olympic Park (principal planting design and horticultural consultant, together with James Hitchmough); The Barbican Centre, London (new planting schemes for podium landscapes); Sheffield Grey to Green (Planting design for the UK’s largest retrofit inner-city greenway and water-sensitive scheme). Nigel is a gold medal-winner at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. In November 2018 Nigel won the Landscape Institute Award 2018 for Planting Design, Public Horticulture and Strategic Ecology, and the Landscape Institute Fellows Prize for Most Outstanding Project, both for The Barbican, London.
About Caruso St John Architects
Caruso St John Architects was founded in 1990 by Adam Caruso and Peter St John. The practice has completed major projects throughout Europe and was awarded the 2016 RIBA Stirling Prize for the Newport Street Gallery, built for Damien Hirst to show-case his collection of contemporary art.
About Lucy Byatt
Lucy Byatt joined Hospitalfield as director in September 2012. She has devised a public programme based on supporting artists through residency opportunities and the development of new commissions made for the programme at Hospitalfield and for public platforms elsewhere across the world. This emphasis is placed at a time when institutions tend to forget that artists, at whatever stage they are in their careers, need time and space to make new work and the opportunity to test and fail in order to succeed.
Byatt directs a public programme that reflects a strong commitment to developing a contemporary art programme alongside a programme that engages with Hospitalfield’s fascinating long heritage as an artist’s house and the collections. Her priority is to establish an effective interdisciplinary programme, rooted in the visual arts, that is continuously broadening its engagement with people living and working in the region of Angus whilst continuing to sustain an international focus.
Byatt leads on Hospitalfield’s Future Plan, a capital development that will see major investment towards making Hospitalfield a fit for purpose resource for artists and audiences to enjoy. The investment will make Hospitalfield a destination, open to the public and a financially sustainable organisation with a strong mixed economy.
In 2015 Byatt curated Scotland and Venice working with Graham Fagen who made a major new commission for the 56th Venice Biennale. Since 2013 she has been a board member of Matt’s Gallery, London. She is advisor to the first residency programme to take place in Jeddah which makes connections across the Middle East.
Prior to taking the post at Hospitalfield she was Head of National Programmes at the Contemporary Art Society, London (2008-2012) Director of Spike Island, Bristol (2002-2008) where she devised and delivered the £2.25m capital development and led the corresponding organisational change which included opening the new galleries to the public for the first time, developing commissions with artists such as Liz Price, Sonya Boyce, David Blandy and Ruth Claxton.
Between 1996 and 2002 she developed many significant artist’s commissions during her time as director of two independent public art commissioning organisations in Glasgow; Visual Art Projects and The Centre including major public art projects with artists, Douglas Gordon, Jackie Donnachie, Claire Barclay, Lyndal Jones, Graham Fagen, Olaf Nicolai and Toby Paterson.
Hospitalfield Fernery
The fernery at Hospitalfield was designed in 1872 by Patrick Allan-Fraser to house a number of New Zealand tree ferns that were presented to him by Captain Peter Logan. Logan was an Arbroath-born mariner who made several voyages to New Zealand captaining ships for the Glasgow-based shipping firm Henderson and Company. These ships took thousands of immigrants to New Zealand and Logan must have brought these exotic plants back with him.
Built at the height of the fern craze, this romantic grotto-like fernery is B-listed and is being restored along with its walkways, balustrades and a pitched glazed roof. It is the only building of its type remaining on the east coast of Scotland. The team at Hospitalfield are working with the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh who are advising us on which ferns to plant and how to successfully grow and maintain them. They are also kindly supplying Hospitalfield with a number of ferns to help start the project.
Not much is known about the fernery at Hospitalfield apart from the fact that it was heated using a boiler which also heated the glasshouses and there were two covered boxes inside for displaying orchids. What ferns were grown in it or how it really looked in its heyday is a bit of a mystery. Evidence of the building’s gradual decline into disrepair from the minutes of the Trustees Meetings. In 1917 a tree damaged the building. In 1921 James Braid reported that; ‘The glass roof, end and front of the fernery are certainly in a very bad way.’ Even though he advised removing the roof, the trustees decided not to at that time. The roof was finally removed in 1929 after the estate overseer reported that; ‘the greater part of the fern house roof was in a dangerous condition and it was advisable, for the safety of the garden staff, that the same should be taken down.’
Funders
This first Phase of the Future Plan has been generously supported by Historic Environment Scotland, Creative Scotland, Heritage Lottery Fund, Foyle Foundation, The Robertson Trust, Garfield Weston Trust, The Pilgrim Trust, The Architectural Heritage Fund, The Leng Trust, Aberbrothock Skea Trust, Mushroom Trust, Northwood Trust, Scott Finnis Foundation.
Hospitalfield’s Future Plan is the first Full Business Case to be approved by the Tay Cities Joint Committee and approves the allocation of £5.5million funding from Scottish Government to the project subject to the Tay Cities Deal being signed and a further £5.5million of complementary match funding being secured.
Design Team for Gardens & Garden Buildings in full:
Caruso St John Architects
Nigel Dunnett Studio – landscape design
Simpson & Brown
David Narrow
Max Fordham
Morham & Brotchy
McLeod+Aitken (Project manager)
CHAP Construction
For further information, press requests and images, please contact Owen O’Leary on 07815 992 658 or email owen@olearyjeffs.com or Nicola Jeffs on 07794 694 754 Nicola@olearyjeffs.com.
