When #CAPetcAlumni Julie Duffy and Hayley Mathers developed a common interest in the life and work of, artist, photographer, model, muse, cook and host Lee Miller neither had imagined that within a couple of years they would be giving a talk on their collaborative practice to a packed out Hawthornden Lecture Theatre at the Scottish National Gallery, but this week that’s exactly what they did. 

Although the collaboration started just 2 years ago the artists have known each other since studying with us on the HND course at the former Edinburgh’s Telford College from 2005-2008 before heading on to Duncan of Jordanstone College or Art & Design (DJCAD). Post-graduation Hayley took a role as chair of the acclaimed Generator Projects in Dundee and Artist in Residence at SWG3 in Glasgow. Julie returned to Edinburgh taking up a studio at Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop (ESW) as well as role curating the organisations TANK gallery/project space.

In Sept 2013 and Sept 2014 in what became something of a full circle both Hayley and Julie respectively joined us once again at Edinburgh College Granton as resident Artists on our #AIRetc… programme. During their time they developed both their individual and collaborative practice which you can view on the AIRetc… website: https://airetc.wordpress.com/

The collaboration has spawned a number of object based works, themed culinary events and workshops including a birthday party for Lee Miller, featuring party hats which have become something of an emblem for the project, and childrens workshops at local primary schools.

The presentation this week at the Scottish National Gallery was excellent and stimulated great responses, ideas and very high praise from the audience. Despite being something of a punctuation mark for the project we are all hoping for a next chapter.

The exhibition Lee Miller and Picasso runs until 6th September at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.