Aberdeen Artists Set Sail with Tall Ships Celebration
Makers Programme showcases local artists whose maritime-inspired creations explore heritage and innovative design.
Aberdeen’s creative community is gearing up for the return of the Tall Ships Races this July, and there’s plenty to get excited about. Not only will you see the stunning sight of historic sailing vessels lining Aberdeen’s harbour, but you’ll also have the chance to explore the talents of local makers inspired by this extraordinary event.
The Tall Ships Aberdeen Makers Programme showcases imaginative, maritime-themed creations at Aberdeen Art Gallery, offering a glimpse into the city’s artistic energy and innovation. Local creator Laura Sherriffs earned special recognition, receiving a £5,000 award for her exceptional designs. Laura’s collection features stylish jackets and bags inspired by traditional fisherman’s smocks and sturdy waterproof gear.
Her thoughtful use of repurposed materials, including historic sailcloth and even sections from the Alba Explorer sail, highlights her commitment to sustainability. Laura has been reflecting on her win, saying, “This has been amazing, if all a bit overwhelming. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to try something different and take that time to experiment and develop the ideas.”
Five Aberdeen-based creators received grants of £1,500 each through the Makers Programme to bring the spirit of the Tall Ships to life through their art. You can view their creations at the Aberdeen Art Gallery until 27 April. It’s a chance to connect with the city’s maritime traditions and contemporary creative talent.
April Hay's microscope image of Aberdeen Sand Laura Sherriff's Bag Development Ben Durack's 3D chair models Anne Marquiss' ship hull drawings
Meet the Artists
Ben Durack, a 3D designer and course lead at Gray’s School of Art, blends craftsmanship with digital innovation. His chair design reflects the evolution of shipbuilding from wooden ships to steel vessels. Ben celebrates Aberdeen’s industrial heritage through functional and sustainable design.
April Hay of Agate and Ayre uses textiles to explore geology, focusing on sand. She collects samples from along the Tall Ships route, examines them under a microscope, and translates these unique textures into vibrant fabrics, creating a fusion of science and art.
Lindsay Johnston of Lindsay and Yoshi creates illustrated prints and patterns inspired by Aberdeen’s seabirds and coastal landscapes. Her scarves and homewares evoke memories of Aberdeen’s previous Tall Ships event in the ’90s, combining nostalgia with fresh, contemporary aesthetics.
Illustrator Gabrielle Reith and jewellery designer Anne Marquiss collaborate to produce mobiles inspired by shipbuilding history and traditional scrimshaw carvings. Crafted from recycled metals, their mobiles feature abstract shapes evocative of whales and ocean waves, capturing the graceful movement of the sea.
An ongoing celebration of maritime heritage
You can watch the Aberdeen Stitch & Textile Group creating a special commemorative sampler to mark the return of the Tall Ships every Tuesday afternoon at the Art Gallery exhibition,
Feeling inspired? You can support the event by exploring the official Tall Ships online shop. It offers a range of ethically produced, made-to-order merchandise. All profits from shop sales are reinvested into the event, further enriching Aberdeen’s celebration of maritime heritage, sustainability, and local creativity.
