{"id":386710,"date":"2025-08-31T06:46:18","date_gmt":"2025-08-31T06:46:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/386710\/"},"modified":"2025-08-31T06:46:18","modified_gmt":"2025-08-31T06:46:18","slug":"unique-public-artwork-unveiled-at-queen-margaret-university-the-nen-north-edinburgh-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/386710\/","title":{"rendered":"Unique public artwork unveiled at Queen Margaret University \u2013 The NEN \u2013 North Edinburgh News"},"content":{"rendered":"

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A highly anticipated public art installation that celebrates the people and activities which make up Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh has been officially unveiled in Musselburgh.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Staff, students, East Lothian residents and members of the QMU community, who each played a part in bringing the artwork to life, were the first to catch a glimpse of the unique sculpture at an official unveiling ceremony on 28 August.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Commissioned to mark the 150th anniversary of Queen Margaret University, the installation takes centre stage in the grounds of the University\u2019s campus. Made possible by donations from the QMU community, it is now a permanent feature available for all to enjoy.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Artist and Musselburgh resident, Martha Ellis, was selected from a pool of applicants to create the final piece \u2013 she engaged in extensive research to ensure the QMU community was reflected in her design.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Martha said: \u201cIt\u2019s been an exciting challenge to create an artwork that represents the unique character of Queen Margaret University.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted to capture the people and spirit of QMU \u2013 past, present, and future. Through in-depth research, participation in local events, and meaningful engagement with the community, I discovered the many inspiring stories and vibrant personalities that define the University, I\u2019ve woven these together to create a piece that I hope will resonate with viewers, inviting them to see themselves, or someone they know, reflected in its characters. <\/p>\n

Seeing the raw and real reactions at the unveiling made me feel like I\u2019ve more than achieved my aim.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been so rewarding seeing this project come together over the last year. My hope is that it sparks curiosity, conversation, and a sense of belonging for everyone who sees it.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

The vision for a commemorative artwork marking QMU\u2019s 150th anniversary first emerged three years ago. <\/p>\n

After careful discussion in the University about the form, location, and process, a public competition was launched, attracting dozens of imaginative submissions \u2013 from striking wall murals and sculpted benches, to a recycled-materials shelter and a statue fashioned from oversized kitchen utensils paying tribute to QMU\u2019s roots as a cookery school.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Following a rigorous selection process, a committee including QMU staff and students unanimously chose the design proposed by Martha. Her concept stood out for its ability to capture the spirit of the University\u2019s community \u2013 its students, staff, alumni, and partners \u2013 who have shaped QMU over the past 150 years.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Martha Ellis is a talented visual artist with a passion for showcasing a \u2018sense of place\u2019 in her signature sheet metal \u2018laser cut-out\u2019 designs \u2013 the style employed for the artwork at QMU. This piece is one of her first public commissions.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Sir Paul Grice, Principal of QMU, said: \u201cOne of the things that Queen Margaret University really prides itself on is its sense of community. And it is this strong sense of community and belonging which many people say sets us apart from other universities.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cAs we approached our 150th anniversary celebrations, we decided that we wanted to create something on campus \u2013 a physical embodiment of the institution that represents what QMU stands for. <\/p>\n

\u201cThis artwork provides an opportunity to reflect on the rich tapestry of people, stories, and experiences that have shaped QMU over the years. It is a testament to the power of collaboration and to the deep connections we share as a university.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cI would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Martha for her extraordinary vision and talent, to everyone who contributed to this project, and to our donors, whose generosity made it possible. <\/p>\n

\u201cTogether, you\u2019ve helped create a piece of art that will not only celebrate our heritage but will also serve as a lasting symbol of QMU\u2019s commitment to creativity, innovation, and community.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

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The official unveiling celebration brought together staff, students, donors and friends of the University for a drinks reception in QMU\u2019s recently refurbished Learning Resource Centre. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Guests also enjoyed a small exhibition of laser-cut drawings that Martha created during her design process and a film documenting the installation\u2019s development, followed by the unveiling itself, outside on campus grounds. \u00a0<\/p>\n

Martha; Professor Richard Butt, Deputy Principal of QMU; Gordon Mackenzie, Head of Strategic Planning and Policy Development and convener of the Public Art Committee; and Professor David Stevenson, Dean of the School of Arts, Social Sciences and Management, were joined by the two Presidents of QMU\u2019s Students\u2019 Union to officially reveal the artwork to excited onlookers, while Ollie Kemp from the Prestonlodge Pipe Band delighted guests with his performance of \u2018Scotland The Brave\u2019 to help mark the celebration.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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The creation of the public artwork forms part of the QMU<\/strong>150 programme of activities marking the 150th anniversary of the founding of the institution now known as Queen Margaret University.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Find out more about the public art commission on our website \u2013 https:\/\/www.qmu.ac.uk\/about-the-university\/qmu150\/public-art<\/a><\/p>\n

Find out more about QMU\u2019s 150th anniversary programme of activities \u2013 https:\/\/www.qmu.ac.uk\/about-the-university\/qmu150\/qmu150-anniversary-events<\/a><\/p>\n

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