2017 is a particularly special year for Friends of ANCHOR as it marks 20 years since the charity began – a charity with a vision to help make cancer and haematology care in the North-east of Scotland the best it can be.
The 20for20 voyage is their milestone anniversary project. 20 anchors have been individually designed and decorated by very talented local artists and will be on display throughout the North-east of Scotland, Orkney and Shetland from July 1 through to the end of October.
Selected from some of the finest artists in the North-east, Howard Butterworth and his daughter Mary Butterworth have produced their own unique anchors for the project. This will be the third time the pair have produced sculptures for charity. With the combined total from previous sculptures having raised nearly £50,000. The Friends of Anchor charity is one that is especially close to their hearts having lost Hilary, wife and mother, to cancer in 2012. Both of their anchors are a tribute to her and the invaluable support and hard work of the ANCHOR unit at ARI.
Born in Rochdale in 1945, Howard Butterworth has been no stranger to donating his artistic talents to worthwhile causes over the years. A renowned Scottish Artist, he has lived and painted professionally in Northern Scotland since 1968. Howard captures the atmospheric light and colours of Scotland in all its moods and seasons as only an artist painting outdoors can. Painting mostly in oils, 'en plein air', he describes his style of painting as "emotional realism”. His paintings convey the sense of being in a particular place at a particular moment in time and the experience and feeling of Nature's constantly changing colours and light. Howard's patrons include private and corporate buyers with several works featuring in the Royal Collections of H.M. Queen Elizabeth and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother who closely supported him over the years.
Generously sponsored by John Clark Motor Group, his anchor 'The artist's garden' can be found in Rubislaw Gardens. The design focuses on beautiful spaces that inspire, lift spirits, provide tranquillity and hold precious memories. Drawing from both from the gardens of home and the June borders of Crathes Castle it is dedicated to his wife Hilary and the support of Anchor.
On painting the anchor Howard said - ‘The anchor sculpture itself is beautifully made. Painting it was a challenge I really enjoyed, although I’m a bit old these days for all the physical manoeuvring involved!
I’m very proud of Mary Louise and the project. The complexity and deep meaning that she has put into her anchor is fabulous. Once again, we’ve come up with such different ideas for a great cause that we both feel passionate about.’
This summer the Butterworth Gallery will be hosting ‘the artist’s garden’ - an exhibition by Howard which will be a celebration of the flowers and garden spaces he has painted throughout his lifetime – both from home and out on location.
“I’ve been painting flowers for most of my career. People are very fond of them, especially my poppy paintings, but this is the first time I’ve put on a show like this. I wanted to bring together a collection of old and new as well as giving a little of the background inspiration for my anchor. “
The exhibition, which opens Friday July 28, will also see the launch of a special limited edition print for Friends of Anchor with all profits made from the unique edition of 20 going towards the charity.
His daughter Mary, acclaimed for her intriguing and atmospheric night scenes, paints from her studio in Aberdeen and has exhibited in many North-east galleries over the years, including the family run Butterworth Gallery on Deeside. Her subjects are contemporary spaces for reflection or solace and often emphasise the dramatic qualities of light. Rich in colour, depth and emotion, her atmospheric style is instantly recognisable and her work is held in private collections worldwide.
Following the loss of her mother, she began to devote some more time to two of her passions - fundraising for charity and raising the profile of art and the local creative scene within Aberdeen. A great believer that art can do amazing things - she continues to contribute her own artwork to many large-scale projects whilst working to support local charities and creatives behind the scenes. Her first role in the public art domain was Artist Co-ordinator for the massively successful Wild Dolphins which raised over £500,000 for The ARCHIE Foundation and WDC. Working closely with Aberdeen Inspired, last year she curated the ground-breaking Painted Doors Abdn project – an important precursor to Nuart Aberdeen. Mary was also tasked with the Maggies Art Extravaganza installation at The Chester Hotel last November which raised £100,000. This spring she assisted Nuart Aberdeen, and most recently was artists advisor for Friends of Anchor 20 for 20.
Her anchor, ‘We are stardust', kindly sponsored by Stewart Milne Homes, can be found on The Old Pier, Stonehaven. On the theme of celestial navigation and the night sky - it depicts several constellations with special meaning including the phoenix, Pavo, Ophiucus, hydra, columba - some using creatures from the Aberdeen bestiary.
When describing the inspiration behind her anchor Mary believes “There are so many reasons we look to the stars - navigation, spiritual guidance, to feel our place in the world. Across many cultures there are stories in the stars - stories of heroic battles, love, remembrance and wonder. They are there to help us find our way. The journey through the anchor unit is the toughest many of us will face. Strength can be found through shared human experience, stories and remembering those who have gone before us. We are all connected, made of starstuff...we are stardust.
"The title 'we are stardust' comes from a lyric by Joni Mitchell - one of my mum's favourites. My mum battled with cancer twice, sadly we lost her the second time. It remains the most difficult thing I have been through. The anchor unit has also provided treatment for my partner Jon and his family. So, I am very grateful for all the care that has been provided to my loved ones over the years - both successful and unsuccessful, it ultimately gave us precious time together.
"The anchor is for everyone on their own journeys, whatever that may be. To recreate that uniquely human experience you get when you gaze into the night sky, the chance to let your mind wander and feel you are not alone, you are part of something bigger."
Mary goes on to say. “I know from experience projects like these can use art to make a huge difference. They are an amazing way to raise awareness and funds whilst showcasing everyone's talents and creativity - creating something special for all to enjoy. Good feelings all round. The artists involved have done a brilliant job, and Friends of Anchor have ended up with some incredible artwork to display to celebrate their 20th year. There are stories behind some of the anchors which are extremely touching and the artists have told them beautifully. I wish it every success as it launches for the summer."