Author: JF2023

Hunt Medal

Ellis Bairstow, The Steven Campbell Trust, Hunt Medal Recipient, 2025.

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Ellis Bairstow, The Steven Campbell Trust, Hunt Medal Recipient, 2025.

The Steven Campbell Trust were delighted to attend the Directors private preview event at Glasgow School of Art on Thursday 29th May. It is always exciting visiting GSA each year to view the work of all the talented artists’ exhibiting their degree shows in the School of Fine Art. 

We would like to thank GSA for extending this invitation which was greatly appreciated, particularly Martin Newth, Head of the School of Fine Art and Julia Malle, Academic Support Manager, The Glasgow School of Art.

Each year we attend the Degree Show to make our annual award of The Hunt Medal, to an artist who we believe demonstrates poetic creativity in their work. After much discussion on the exciting work on show, we were unanimous in our appreciation of the work of Ellis Bairstow for his exhibition ‘Vertical Glasgow’ and are delighted to announce that he is the 2025 recipient of our Hunt Medal award. The Steven Campbell Trust would like to wish Ellis much success in his future career.

Artist Statement: 

Ellis Bairstow is a primarily photographic artist. His work looks at documenting socio-economic and political issues and how this has impacted the lives of people. He attempts to communicate this in a way that brings it to the forefront of people’s minds. He sees the camera as a tool for documentation and deeply considers every aspect of how this can influence the audience’s perception. 

Extra links: 

Website – Ellisbairstow.com

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ellis.bairstow/

Interview by Carol Campbell with Ellis Bairstow, GSA, June, 2025.

Selected photographs from Ellis Bairstow Degree Show Exhibition :’Vertical Glasgow’.

Education, Schools Workshops, Steven’s Birthday

Steven Campbell Trust Workshops – Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, 13th & 14th March, 2025.

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Steven Campbell Trust Workshops – Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, 13th & 14th March, 2025.

In the week preceding what would have been Steven Campbell’s 72nd  birthday (Wednesday 19th March), young people from six Glasgow schools gathered to celebrate his legacy in a two-day life drawing workshop. 

The sessions were led by painter Sandy Grant in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Materials were generously supplied by Cass Art. It was an intensive and productive two days. 

With thanks to: St Pauls High School, St Mungo’s Academy, Lochend Community High, Rosshall Academy, Whitehall Secondary, St Andrews Academy.

Here are some photos and thoughts from participants.

Eva M.V. Hewitt, Hunt Medal recipient, 2023. Madrid update, 2024., Hunt Medal

Eva M.V. Hewitt – My Spanish Odyssey

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Eva M.V. Hewitt – My Spanish Odyssey

Eva M.V. Hewitt

My Spanish Odyssey

Since being awarded the 2023 Hunt Medal, the encouragement and mentorship provided to me by the Steven Campbell Trust team, has allowed me to excel in my further studies and grow in my career. This year I completed my Master’s in Fine Art at GSA; thereafter, I undertook an artist residency at The Nacional Museo del Prado, Madrid. The Steven Campbell Trust has been constant in its ongoing support, guidance and backing. I offer sincere thanks to those who operate at the very heart of the Trust: Carol Campbell, John Ferry, Neil Gilmour, Marion Marlow and Sandy Moffat – who embody the spirit of the Trust and demonstrate its core values.

Without a doubt, the most valuable aspects of my Masters programme were the one-to-one tailored tutorials. These were led by high-calibre artists whose work I have admired for many years. Namely, GSA alumni Stuart MacKenzie (RSA) and Michael Fullerton. Both encouraged and challenged my artistic practice, inspiring me to engage with, and research intently, the paintings of the great masters. Following my tutorial with Stuart MacKenzie, he nominated me for the 2024 Richard Ford Award – a prestigious accolade which he himself was the recipient of in 1983. This London-based award allows artists to study independently and directly from the masterpieces in the Prado. This intensive period of study is designed to develop knowledge of painting and drawing by direct exposure to the works in the Prado collection. 

After arriving in Madrid, I was warmly welcomed to the Prado by Marisa Sanchez Gomez and Paloma Herranz González. I know the importance of establishing a consistent routine, to ensure good time management and discipline. Sketching in the public setting of the museum holds its own unique quality and hearing the reactions of visitors was a very honest, raw and rare insight, in real time! This contrasts starkly with my usual routine which involves more solitary work in my studio. The process is usually hidden and only the final pieces are selected for public viewing. My time at the Prado allowed me to grow in confidence, embracing my own style of mark making and maintaining focus on my muse of choice. Behind the scenes at the museum, I had access to the restoration workshop and the drawings cabinet. I could not quite believe the close proximity I had to the pieces, most notably some original works of Rubens, Goya and El Greco.

I was surrounded by onlookers from all over the world, hearing a range of languages spoken. Although verbal communication is key, I would argue that the work transcended the spoken word and united us under a universally understood language – the visual language of art. 

My Spanish odyssey allowed me to reflect not only on my sketched outcomes (which I reviewed at the end of each day) but also the place where my museum work started. I fondly remember my mum taking me to visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum as a child; there, I would sketch the animals from life. The Nacional Museo del Prado, felt somewhat like an upgrade!

I acknowledge with gratitude the time I have spent at GSA and I eagerly look forward to continuing my connection with the Steven Campbell Trust. It is vital for me to protect and honour his legacy. My experience will stay with me for life, and the learning I have gained will greatly contribute to the furtherance of my career.

 

 

Eva M.V. Hewitt, Hunt Medal recipient, 2023. Madrid update, 2024., Hunt Medal

Eva M.V. Hewitt – My Spanish Odyssey

by JF2023Leave a Comment on Eva M.V. Hewitt – My Spanish Odyssey
Eva M.V. Hewitt – My Spanish Odyssey

Eva M.V. Hewitt

My Spanish Odyssey

Since being awarded the 2023 Hunt Medal, the encouragement and mentorship provided to me by the Steven Campbell Trust team, has allowed me to excel in my further studies and grow in my career. This year I completed my Master’s in Fine Art at GSA; thereafter, I undertook an artist residency at The Nacional Museo del Prado, Madrid. The Steven Campbell Trust has been constant in its ongoing support, guidance and backing. I offer sincere thanks to those who operate at the very heart of the Trust: Carol Campbell, John Ferry, Neil Gilmour, Marion Marlow and Sandy Moffat – who embody the spirit of the Trust and demonstrate its core values.

Without a doubt, the most valuable aspects of my Masters programme were the one-to-one tailored tutorials. These were led by high-calibre artists whose work I have admired for many years. Namely, GSA alumni Stuart MacKenzie (RSA) and Michael Fullerton. Both encouraged and challenged my artistic practice, inspiring me to engage with, and research intently, the paintings of the great masters. Following my tutorial with Stuart MacKenzie, he nominated me for the 2024 Richard Ford Award – a prestigious accolade which he himself was the recipient of in 1983. This London-based award allows artists to study independently and directly from the masterpieces in the Prado. This intensive period of study is designed to develop knowledge of painting and drawing by direct exposure to the works in the Prado collection. 

After arriving in Madrid, I was warmly welcomed to the Prado by Marisa Sanchez Gomez and Paloma Herranz González. I know the importance of establishing a consistent routine, to ensure good time management and discipline. Sketching in the public setting of the museum holds its own unique quality and hearing the reactions of visitors was a very honest, raw and rare insight, in real time! This contrasts starkly with my usual routine which involves more solitary work in my studio. The process is usually hidden and only the final pieces are selected for public viewing. My time at the Prado allowed me to grow in confidence, embracing my own style of mark making and maintaining focus on my muse of choice. Behind the scenes at the museum, I had access to the restoration workshop and the drawings cabinet. I could not quite believe the close proximity I had to the pieces, most notably some original works of Rubens, Goya and El Greco.

I was surrounded by onlookers from all over the world, hearing a range of languages spoken. Although verbal communication is key, I would argue that the work transcended the spoken word and united us under a universally understood language – the visual language of art. 

My Spanish odyssey allowed me to reflect not only on my sketched outcomes (which I reviewed at the end of each day) but also the place where my museum work started. I fondly remember my mum taking me to visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum as a child; there, I would sketch the animals from life. The Nacional Museo del Prado, felt somewhat like an upgrade!

I acknowledge with gratitude the time I have spent at GSA and I eagerly look forward to continuing my connection with the Steven Campbell Trust. It is vital for me to protect and honour his legacy. My experience will stay with me for life, and the learning I have gained will greatly contribute to the furtherance of my career.

 

 

Hunt Medal

Erin McPhee, Hunt Medal Recipient 2024.

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Erin McPhee, Hunt Medal Recipient 2024.

The Steven Campbell Trust were delighted to attend the private preview event at Glasgow School of Art on Thursday 30th May. It was such a pleasure visiting GSA and seeing such a huge selection of talented artists. We would like to thank GSA for extending this invitation which was greatly appreciated,

Each year we attend the Degree Show to make our annual award of The Hunt Medal, to an artist who we believe demonstrates poetic creativity in their work. After much discussion on the exciting work on show, we were unanimous in our appreciation of the work of Erin McPhee and are delighted to announce that Erin is the 2024 recipient of our Hunt Medal award.

Erin McPhee: Artist’s Statement

My practice explores life and the relationships we have with one another. Often referencing family memorabilia and photographs, I aim to create emotionally driven works which are honest and sincere. I frequently turn to paint as my preferred medium as I enjoy the fluidity it can offer. This allows me to be intuitive with my marks and helps me to immerse myself further into my feelings rather than details.

Using large brushes, I work quickly, covering as much of the canvas as possible. The process is about being as present as possible and unafraid of the marks created from this. By providing the viewers with just enough information, I hope they can fill the rest of the gaps with their thoughts and feelings.

Painting, for me is about solidifying moments in time and presenting them as honestly as I can. I use my life and experiences as a catalyst for my work, but I do not intend for the viewers to approach the work and attempt to view it from my perspective.

I hope people are reminded of their lives when they see the work and that they can connect to what they see, through the moments and people that made them feel.

https://www.erinmcpheeart.com

Instagram: @erinmcphee_art

Fluffy, Oil on Canvas, 80 x 80 cm.
First Christmas, Oil on Canvas, 153x80cm
Education, Schools Workshops

Steven Campbell Trust – Schools’ Workshops 2024

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Steven Campbell Trust – Schools’ Workshops 2024

Above: Attendees of the 2024 Steven Campbell Trust workshop posing with some of their favourite paintings

One of the ways that the Trust continues to honour Steven’s life and work is through activities and workshops for schools.

This year, artist Claire Paterson, former winner of the Hunt Medal presented by the Trust, led an intensive two-day life-painting workshop at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum for fifteen pupils from nine schools, including Balfron High School, Hyndland Secondary, Lourdes Secondary, St Mungo’s Academy, Kelvinside Academy, Drumchapel High School, Hutcheson’s Grammar School, St Andrew’s Secondary and Barrhead High School.

The work was once again of a very high standard and the young people developed new skills through Claire’s careful tutoring.

There was an enormous amount of dedication, energy and talent on display during this year’s workshop, and the attendees were all a credit to their schools. We were also very impressed by the range of unique styles developed by each individual pupil, with all of the work outstanding and inspiring in its own way.

When asked what aspects of the 2024 Steven Campbell Trust workshop they found most helpful, pupils responded:

‘Meeting people with lots of different, unique styles and learning from them.’

‘Having 14 pieces of work in 2 days.’

‘Getting to see the finished result.’

‘Doing drawings worthy to be put in a folio.’

‘Adding tone/ creating strong underdrawings.’

‘Seeing our finished projects and learning past the previous struggles as we progressed.’

‘Learning more techniques to paint with.’

We would like to give a massive thank you to Cass Art for generously supplying us with a wealth of art materials for use during the workshop. For charitable organisations like the Steven Campbell Trust, such support makes a huge difference, allowing educational events like this to run. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with Cass Art in the future.

The wealth of materials supplied by Cass Art

Our thanks also to the staff at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum for their support, and for providing us with a wonderful creative environment in which to hold the class.

Here are some of the impressive results from this year’s workshop:

Screenshot

Below: Pupils pose with the work they produced individually over the course of the 2-day Steven Campbell Trust Workshop:

Uncategorized

John Byrne 1940 – 2023

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John Byrne 1940 – 2023

The Steven Campbell Trust has been deeply saddened to learn of the passing of John Byrne. John was a hugely talented and celebrated artist and friend, who we were privileged to have as a Patron of the Trust.

A remarkable man of many talents, we’ve been privileged to know and work with him for over 20 years. 

Steven greatly admired John’s work and was delighted to collaborate with him. In 2005 Steven met and became friends with John and they worked on portraits of each other.

John’s life-sized painting depicts Steven as a looming solitary figure in black, seated and holding a palette and brushes. Steven’s portrait of John, Paisleycus Byrnicus Virus Invading Mr Gray, sees John at the centre of a rich Paisley pattern work, which makes reference to John’s birthplace. Both paintings are in the collection of Paisley Museum.

Our thoughts and love are with Jeanine & all who loved this wonderful man. His loss will be deeply felt by all.

The Steven Campbell Trust.

The Artist Steven Campbell

© John Byrne. All Rights Reserved, DACS 2023. Photo credit: Paisley Museum and Art Galleries, Renfrewshire Council Collections

Waiting – Paisleycus Byrnicus Virus Invading Mr Gray

https://artuk.org/discover/artworks/waiting-paisleycus-byrnicus-virus-invading-mr-gray-189935

Photo credit: Paisley Museum and Art Galleries, Renfrewshire Council Collections

Featured image, Self Portrait with Red Palette. © John Byrne. All Rights Reserved, DACS 2023. Photo credit: Glasgow Life Museums

Education

Artists Talking : Timorous Beasties

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Artists Talking : Timorous Beasties

Artists Talking : Timorous Beasties

The Steven Campbell Trust continues to support young people studying art to develop their skills.

This year we have embarked on a new project which gives an insight into artists’ and designers’ professional practice. Artists are interviewed in their places of work by pupils from Glasgow Secondary schools. Questions have been carefully selected to meet the criteria of the National 5 Design Unit. 

The filming has been undertaken by the film department of The City of Glasgow College. Eight students under the guidance of award winning director Marco Federici have come together through the Young Person’s Guarantee project. The Young Person’s Guarantee is a commitment to bring together employers, partners and young people and to connect every 16 to 24 year old in Scotland to the opportunity of a job, placement, training or volunteering with employers committed to the Guarantee. 

This video shows the successful design team Timorous Beasties discussing their inspiration and methodologies. 

The interview will be posted on YouTube so that all schools will have access to it at a time that suits them.

The Trust hopes that, using this as a model, we will be able to produce more resources for schools. 

We welcome any feedback.