HOLDFAST

Exploring hope beneath the waves of Argyll’s coast

1 September to 14 December 2025

HOLDFAST brings together the work of six artists inspired by a shared love of the sea and the life it supports.

In autumn 2024 the artists took part in a unique residency based in the Argyll Coast and Islands Hope spot; a designated area of exceptional marine habitat stretching from Ardnamurchan to Loch Sween. Together they explored this underwater world through snorkelling, observing and drawing beneath the waves.

Kilmartin Museum is pleased to host the resulting work in our Special Exhibition galleries to share the results of this experience.

A holdfast is the strong base of seaweed – a perfect metaphor for how multiple artistic journeys emerged from one shared experience underwater. As one artist described: "many tendrils coming from one anchor point (the holdfast), like our many experiences stemming from the same origin; the dives on this residency.”

This exhibition brings the responses of the artists together and showcases jewellery, printed silks, sculpture, animation, film, mosaic and felting.

Each piece is an interpretation of life beneath the waves and a reflection of the artists’ commitment to art rooted in ecological care.

Whilst displayed works are not available for purchase, a selection of cards and prints are available to buy from our Museum shop.

Strange Loop Workshop - Saturday 18th October

This hands on workshop invites participants to use digital microscopes as creative tools to explore the biodiversity around Kilmartin Museum. After a short walk to gather organic materials from the museum’s garden and nearby cairn walk, participants will return to the tech lab to examine the intricate textures, shapes, and cellular forms of the local ecosystem under four live capture microscopes.

Using the techniques of a live video artist, you will have the chance to compose and layer your own digital compositions onto the big screen. Through observation, improvisation, and play, the group will work together to create a moving animated collage that encapsulates the day’s discoveries.

The workshop will be led by Jamie Wardrop and uses some of these same techniques in his installation featured in the HOLDFAST exhibition - be sure to stop by while you visit the museum.

This workshop is kindly supported by Hope Spot Argyll

  • Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025

  • Location: Kilmartin Museum. Please meet in the Kilmartin Museum foyer at 1:00pm and wear clothing and footwear suitable for outdoor terrain and changeable weather.

  • Time: 1:00pm – 3:30pm

  • Duration: 2.5 hours

  • Cost: £6 per participant

  • Ages: 10+ (all children must be accompanied by a responsible adult)

  • Capacity: Maximum 14 participants

Bookings can be made through the Eventbrite page here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/strange-loop-by-jamie-wardrop-tickets-1715979744609