Recognition for Sunnyside sculptor – “The Gentle Shetlander” – Adam Christie
Montrose Museum is delighted to announce a new permanent display on outsider artist Adam Christie (1868-1950) from Saturday 16 September 2023.
In April 2023, 22 pieces of Adam Christie’s work became available unexpectedly at Taylor’s Auctions in Montrose. With challenges in ANGUSalive raising the necessary funds to purchase, Montrose Burns Club and Dave Ramsay B.E.M. came to the rescue at the 11th hour. They raised £6,000 and were able to secure 11 pieces of the collection which is now on long-term loan to ANGUSalive and will be rotated as part of a permanent display at Montrose Museum.
Christie’s work was largely unknown in his own time, and it has only been since Ken Keddie’s 1984 publication – The Gentle Shetlander – that awareness of his work has grown.
Adam Christie was transported from his homeland of Shetland to Montrose Asylum in 1901, after struggling with severe mental health issues. He remained at the hospital until his death in 1950.
Christie was highly creative and was encouraged in his painting and stone carving. He had a keen interest in the creation of carved figures, many of which were inspired by biblical characters, Celtic art, and the folklore of Shetland. By the 1930s, Montrose had become the centre of an artistic revolution known as the Scottish Renaissance, and Christie’s most prolific period of artistic production coincided with the timing of this movement. He used simple tools such as a nail and a piece of glass to create his distinctive pieces.
Emma Gilliland, ANGUSalive’s Museums & Galleries Collections Lead said: “We are delighted to share Adam Christie’s story and the legacy of Sunnyside Hospital. Mental health awareness is more important than ever. When struck by mental illness, Adam’s life was forever altered. Yet this set him on a path that allowed him to fully discover his creative abilities in an environment where he was actively supported. We hope that others will be inspired by his story.
“We have thoroughly enjoyed working with the Montrose Burns Club on this special project and are delighted that Adam is finally getting the recognition he deserves.”
Dave Ramsay, Heritage Advisor at Montrose Burns Club said: ‘We’re very proud of the efforts made by the club to get hold of this distinctive collection of sculptures by Adam Christie. His work is unique and we’re pleased to make an important contribution to local and national heritage by celebrating this “Outsider Artist.”
“The enthusiasm of ANGUSalive and Montrose Museum to embrace this project has to be acknowledged in bringing this remarkable story of this talented man to greater public awareness. I am delighted that the story of The Gentle Shetlander lives on.”
The new display will be officially launched on Friday 15 September with Christie’s descendants in attendance, and will be open to visitors from Saturday 16 September.