Stephen Gill, who set up the island’s fi rst printing press – undertaking all of Arran’s printing needs from his press in Whiting Bay – will be posthumously featured in the exhibition space at the Arran Library in Brodick. Letterheads, brochures, Christmas and business cards, all bearing the imprint of St Columba’s Press, were the main focus of Stephen’s work but he also produced paintings, sketches, pastel drawings and watercolours among other mediums, and exhibited at local galleries and art shows.
Inspiration
Arran’s rocky mountains and coastline were to be Stephen’s main inspiration throughout his career. The seashore, cliffs and soaring birds became a regular feature of his artwork, scenes that he had seen and sketched as he enjoyed regular walks through the Arran landscape.