The Cowalfest conundrum

The Black Prince, a curvy yellow vase, walking, an Argyll car, the founder of the science of ballistics, Japan and Dunoon.

Believe it or not, there is a link that binds these together.

One part of the link is the wonderful scenery and outdoor activity opportunities offered by the landscape and forests of the Cowal Peninsula, which has attracted visitors to the area for nearly two hundred years. And during this mild, sunny spell of autumn weather, walkers taking part in Cowalfest are soaking up the spectacular views now dressed in russet and gold colours.

The fascinating historical tales, the rewarding glimpses of wildlife and the enjoyment of fresh air and good company complement the natural beauty of place and time. In the coming winter these bright memories will resurface to add colour to grey days.

The other part of the link lies in the exhibition currently running as part of Cowalfest’s 7th walking and arts festival. This has astonished and delighted those who have visited it, with one local lady already having returned four times with friends explaining that they just have to see it.

The exhibition, Alexander Reid and the Japanese Influence: Art, ships and plants, shows how Alexander Reid, the only British person painted by Vincent van Gogh, is also associated with the elements of the conumdrum above.

The best way to find out how is to visit the exhibition. Known as a Glasgow art dealer of international importance, what is less well known is that Reid and his family lived in Cowal for twenty years and for eighteen years he represented Dunoon South Ward on Argyll County Council.

‘This is not just an exhibition about art’, emphasised Dorothy Bruce, the exhibition curator. ‘This is about a man and his associates at a very interesting, vibrant and innovative period when the Cowal peninsula was the playground of merchants and royalty and Alexander Reid was lauded as an international art dealer with an unerring eye for a good painting.

‘Many of Reid’s associates had houses in Cowal, others like the painters who became known as the Glasgow Boys forged international reputations, promoted by Reid’.

Cowalfest, Scotland’s largest walking and arts festival, was officially launched at the civic reception on Friday 9th October. Councillor Bruce Marshall, Chair of Argyll & Bute Council’s area committee, spoke about the festival’s success in developing walking opportunities in Cowal. He noted the great variety of walks now on offer, the addition of cycling and horse riding and the wide range of arts activities.

With Cowalfest a Homecoming Scotland 2009 event and a Japan-UK 150 event, these two widescale celebrations came together in the exhibition on Alexander Reid held in the Cowal Camera Club.

The exhibition which features images specially brought together for its ten day run in Dunoon is a one off and, with it having received coverage in Culture and Sport Glasgow’s quarterly Preview magazine it is attracting widespread attention.

A booklet specially written and published to accompany the Alexander Reid exhibition is also available to purchase at the exhibition or online from the Cowalfest website.

The festival runs until Sunday. Further details on the exhibition and on the full Cowalfest programme of walks and other activities can also be found at the Cowalfest website.

The photograph above, of an Argyll Flying Fifteen, is by copyright holder xhack and has been placed in the public domain.