Sculptor Jephson Robb marks milestone for Mackintosh's masterpiece in Maryhill

Acclaimed Scottish artist Jephson Robb is showing a major new exhibition in the West End.

The sculptor's works have gone on display in the Charles Rennie Mackintosh-designed Queen's Cross in Maryhill.

The show entitled: Primary marks the 120th anniversary of the famous architect-designer's only built church.

Jephson Robb is pictured next to one of his sculptures, part of a major exhibition called Primary at Mackintosh Queen's Cross. Photo credit: Martin Shields

It is Robb's first solo exhibition.

Robb said: “I am delighted to be invited by the CRM Society to show new work from an ongoing series of sculptures that I have been developing over several years while undertaking public commissions.

"It seemed fitting that these sculptures be exhibited to mark the 120 years milestone.

'Brilliance'

“I admire Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s cross disciplinary approach to art and design, and Mackintosh Queen’s Cross is a very fine example of this as it shows Mackintosh’s architectural brilliance, and fertile imagination.

"Thank you to the CRM Society for this unique opportunity and for the privilege to show my work within this architectural masterpiece.”

Robb will present two groups of work from an ongoing series.

The Glasgow-based artist was invited by The CRM Society to show his work in the building for the month of October to mark and celebrate the 120th anniversary of Mackintosh Queen’s Cross. Photo credit: Martin Shields

Seven colourful sculptures titled Primary Forms will be exhibited in the main building, while a series of smaller works, The Shape of Light, made in bronze and stainless steel, will be exhibited in the back hall.

Robb graduated from The Royal College of Art in London in 2003, having studied under Professor Ron Arad.

Robb has received several important public commissions to create large scale artworks for prominent sites across central Scotland.

In 2015, Known and Unknown, the International Asbestos Memorial, was unveiled in Truth & Justice Square, Clydebank.

Permanent collection

It stands as a monument to all those who have died from exposure to asbestos.

In the same year, Gartnavel Hospital marked 200 years of mental health care in Glasgow with two landmark sculptures by Robb - Sun and Moon and Two Hearts.

Cries and Whispers 2003, a most personal work for the artist, is in the permanent collection of the New York Museum of Modern Art.

Mackintosh Queen’s Cross was commissioned by the Free Church in 1896 and opened to the public in 1899.

Robb will present two groups of work from an ongoing series. Photo credit: Martin Shields.

Stuart Robertson, director, CRM Society, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Jephson, we’ve been admirers of his work for a long time and with this exhibition of stunning sculptures he is helping us to reinvigorate the life of the building.

"Jephson’s show will bring forth the building in our 120th year.”

More examples of Robb’s work can be found here: www.jephsonrobb.com

* The exhibition will run at Mackintosh Queen’s Cross, 870 Garscube Road, Glasgow, G20 7EL from October 3 – November 1 2019. Monday – Saturday 10am-4pm. Entry is free but donations to The CRM Society are welcome.