a future reclaimed

A FutureReclaimed

IntroductionFor the last eight years NVA has worked with Avanti Architects, ERZ Studio and Brian McGinlay of NORD Architects with passion and perseverance to find a new future for St Peter’s Seminary. Our aim is to reclaim this internationally significant building, reconnect it to its surroundings and to accept its ruination, finding value within the changes that time inevitably brings.

One hundred and fifty years after the original Victorian estate of Kilmahew was established, we are now in a position to start afresh. Hinterland marks the launch of the Festival of Architecture 2016 and is a key highlight of the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design. The event presents the creative possibilities that the revitalisation of this site will bring. The new space will become a dramatic setting for public art and debate that speaks back to the world and finds relevance and use for bold and imaginative thinking. It takes its lead from the very roots of Modernism, which in post-war Europe drew strength from dreaming of a future where fascism had been defeated.

Angus Farquhar, Creative Director NVA

Hinterland is produced by NVA on behalf of Kilmahew / St Peter’s Limited and supported by:

IntroductionFor the last eight years NVA has worked with Avanti Architects, ERZ Studio and Brian McGinlay of NORD Architects with passion and perseverance to find a new future for St Peter’s Seminary. Our aim is to reclaim this internationally significant building, reconnect it to its surroundings and to accept its ruination, finding value within the changes that time inevitably brings.

One hundred and fifty years after the original Victorian estate of Kilmahew was established, we are now in a position to start afresh. Hinterland marks the launch of the Festival of Architecture 2016 and is a key highlight of the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design. The event presents the creative possibilities that the revitalisation of this site will bring. The new space will become a dramatic setting for public art and debate that speaks back to the world and finds relevance and use for bold and imaginative thinking. It takes its lead from the very roots of Modernism, which in post-war Europe drew strength from dreaming of a future where fascism had been defeated.

Angus Farquhar, Creative Director NVA

Hinterland is produced by NVA on behalf of Kilmahew / St Peter’s Limited and supported by:

The ArchitectureIt is precisely fifty years since the foundation stone was laid at St Peter’s Seminary. Although fulfilling its original function as a training college for priests for only thirteen years, the building has remained fully present in the discourse of 20th century architecture both in Scotland and internationally. It is considered by many as the greatest work of Andy MacMillan and Isi Metzstein of the Glasgow based architectural practice Gillespie, Kidd & Coia. The design, which they completed early in their careers, is resolutely experimental, ambitious, capricious, poetic and challenging.

With its neo-monastic austerity, leaks and faulty heating it was widely reported as difficult to live in during cold Scottish winters.

However, on a summer’s day, many seminarians still recall the ineffable beauty as sunlight refracted through the innovative ziggurat rooflight and floating glulam beams above the altar. The late Canon James Foley, a great champion of the building, remembered his delight at the ever-changing dance of light and shadow and the geometric shapes that moved slowly across the walls and floor of the chapel.

With so many buildings now destroyed from the same period of history, the overall consolidation and partial restoration of the chapel, set within a carefully modulated landscape, offers hope that the seemingly lost can find new life and purpose.

The ArchitectureIt is precisely fifty years since the foundation stone was laid at St Peter’s Seminary. Although fulfilling its original function as a training college for priests for only thirteen years, the building has remained fully present in the discourse of 20th century architecture both in Scotland and internationally. It is considered by many as the greatest work of Andy MacMillan and Isi Metzstein of the Glasgow based architectural practice Gillespie, Kidd & Coia. The design, which they completed early in their careers, is resolutely experimental, ambitious, capricious, poetic and challenging.

With its neo-monastic austerity, leaks and faulty heating it was widely reported as difficult to live in during cold Scottish winters.

However, on a summer’s day, many seminarians still recall the ineffable beauty as sunlight refracted through the innovative ziggurat rooflight and floating glulam beams above the altar. The late Canon James Foley, a great champion of the building, remembered his delight at the ever-changing dance of light and shadow and the geometric shapes that moved slowly across the walls and floor of the chapel.

With so many buildings now destroyed from the same period of history, the overall consolidation and partial restoration of the chapel, set within a carefully modulated landscape, offers hope that the seemingly lost can find new life and purpose.

The Hinterland ManifestoFreedom of thought and the capacity to empathise with difference is central to life beyond mere survival. It follows that our society is not static but something we can influence and evolve collectively. We can determine our own political, social and cultural reality.

Sharing our values through public art enables us to confirm our humanity, exchange ideas and engage our past, present and potential futures. While art has the capacity to entertain, it also exists to provoke, contest and search for new realities. Locating creativity within democratic processes defines a progressive political system.

The Agora was established in Ancient Greece as the public engine for constructive human activity, it was both the forum for debate as well as the physical setting where relevant topics were discussed: business, politics, current events, or the nature of the universe and the divine.

Hinterland aims to re-invoke the spirit of The Agora.

Our shared human experience is at breaking point. There is widespread failure in our political and economic systems. Internationally we are unable to find peaceful means to resolve dispute or tackle major environmental issues. Mass displacement through war and social breakdown in many countries has never been more acute and we live with the magnitude of this every day.

In Scotland our recent faltering steps towards resolving disagreements around our future trajectory stand as a testament to the potential for non-violent change. The extension of this debate from the national to global, the ability to accept what you do not necessarily agree with, is of essential value.

*The Hinterland Manifesto extends work undertaken by Angus Farquhar as part of the artist collective ‘Group with No Name’ and its petition in 2013 to The Scottish Government to deliver a new participative Cultural Policy for Scotland.

The Hinterland ManifestoFreedom of thought and the capacity to empathise with difference is central to life beyond mere survival. It follows that our society is not static but something we can influence and evolve collectively. We can determine our own political, social and cultural reality.

Sharing our values through public art enables us to confirm our humanity, exchange ideas and engage our past, present and potential futures. While art has the capacity to entertain, it also exists to provoke, contest and search for new realities. Locating creativity within democratic processes defines a progressive political system.

The Agora was established in Ancient Greece as the public engine for constructive human activity, it was both the forum for debate as well as the physical setting where relevant topics were discussed: business, politics, current events, or the nature of the universe and the divine.

Hinterland aims to re-invoke the spirit of The Agora.

Our shared human experience is at breaking point. There is widespread failure in our political and economic systems. Internationally we are unable to find peaceful means to resolve dispute or tackle major environmental issues. Mass displacement through war and social breakdown in many countries has never been more acute and we live with the magnitude of this every day.

In Scotland our recent faltering steps towards resolving disagreements around our future trajectory stand as a testament to the potential for non-violent change. The extension of this debate from the national to global, the ability to accept what you do not necessarily agree with, is of essential value.

*The Hinterland Manifesto extends work undertaken by Angus Farquhar as part of the artist collective ‘Group with No Name’ and its petition in 2013 to The Scottish Government to deliver a new participative Cultural Policy for Scotland.

Future PlansThe underlying design philosophy is that the former seminary will only be partially restored with the chapel being transformed into a 600 capacity creative space set within the exposed concrete bones of the wider complex. In reflection of its long narrative of abandonment and dereliction, some areas will deliberately be left unchanged and raw. The landscape designs, which stand equal to the built structures, open up historic and new routes throughout the former estate and reinstate the walled garden as a productive heart to the scheme.

Hinterland is a place that is otherworldly and completely different from the day-to-day. It lies beyond what is visible or known in a geographical and cultural sense; it is a less certain definition of territory that encourages open interpretation and exploration from visitors. It is an environment where incidental learning thrives and personal, imaginative responses will lead to rich, new narratives.

If you would like to get involved by volunteering, attending events or taking part in activities please subscribe to our mailing list to receive regular updates:

www.hinterland.org/subscribe

Future PlansThe underlying design philosophy is that the former seminary will only be partially restored with the chapel being transformed into a 600 capacity creative space set within the exposed concrete bones of the wider complex. In reflection of its long narrative of abandonment and dereliction, some areas will deliberately be left unchanged and raw. The landscape designs, which stand equal to the built structures, open up historic and new routes throughout the former estate and reinstate the walled garden as a productive heart to the scheme.

Hinterland is a place that is otherworldly and completely different from the day-to-day. It lies beyond what is visible or known in a geographical and cultural sense; it is a less certain definition of territory that encourages open interpretation and exploration from visitors. It is an environment where incidental learning thrives and personal, imaginative responses will lead to rich, new narratives.

If you would like to get involved by volunteering, attending events or taking part in activities please subscribe to our mailing list to receive regular updates:

www.hinterland.org/subscribe

Call to Action: A Future ReclaimedTo achieve the full ambition of the plans to save St Peter’s Seminary and restore Kilmahew woodland we need your help. Our work to date has been supported by funding from many sources including Heritage Lottery Fund, Creative Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland and Argyll and Bute Council. We have also secured private donations of over £1 million towards the capital restoration works.

As we continue our fundraising campaign we need to raise a further £1 million.

If you would like to make a donation to support the campaign you can find a donate button at:

www.hinterland.org

“This project will at last see the buildings and their wonderful landscape setting conserved and enhanced for the benefit of all.”Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, Scottish Government

Call to Action: A Future ReclaimedTo achieve the full ambition of the plans to save St Peter’s Seminary and restore Kilmahew woodland we need your help. Our work to date has been supported by funding from many sources including Heritage Lottery Fund, Creative Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland and Argyll and Bute Council. We have also secured private donations of over £1 million towards the capital restoration works.

As we continue our fundraising campaign we need to raise a further £1 million.

If you would like to make a donation to support the campaign you can find a donate button at:

www.hinterland.org

“This project will at last see the buildings and their wonderful landscape setting conserved and enhanced for the benefit of all.”Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, Scottish Government

A Partnership ApproachHinterland has been brought to fruition with the invaluable support and considerable effort of a wide range of core partners, collaborators and individuals.

Particular thanks are due to Fiona Dally and Stuart Turner of EventScotland, Karen Cunningham, Director of the Festival of Architecture 2016 and the Festival of Architecture team; Marie Christie and Chelsea Charles of VisitScotland; Andrew Leitch of Creative Scotland; Elaine Jamieson of Forestry Commission Scotland; Fiona Lim and David Seers of Scottish Government and the many individuals we have been working with in Argyll and Bute Council.

A special mention must go out to Peter and Patrick Reilly and the amazing team from Reigart Contracts. They have recently completed the massive task of removing all of the hazardous material and detritus that has built up over the last 30 years to make the site safe for public access. The company are experts in this field and the level of service they have provided has been remarkable. They have delivered this extremely tough contract with unfailing courtesy and patience despite the wettest of winters and the many challenges that the building presented.

Many important architectural heritage elements have been saved, especially through their introduction of innovative techniques to use Permaseal to rescue 80 ceiling vaults which had become close to collapse. They also provided much of the site infrastructure to enable people to explore Hinterland. We are proud to call them partners.

We would also like to thank the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Glasgow. They have generously offered to donate the entire site and are rightly acknowledged as a significant contributor in the matrix of supporters of the long-term plans.

Additionally, the scale of the event production has been made possible on the basis of some much appreciated help from our technical partners. Thanks to WarPro for the great support across projector hires and technical advice, Black Light for amazing input and assistance on lighting spec, Blackbox Pro Audio for their generosity on PA hires, Andy Coates for fantastic work on content, pixel imaging and technical expertise in projection mapping, Paragon Power for power and logistical support and Portakabin for cabins and welfare facilities.

And finally, thanks to the following event partners: Scotrail; Riding Sawmills; Arnold Clark; ACT Argyll; Capability Scotland; Argyll and the Isles Tourism Cooperative; Tesco Groundworks; Tesco Helensburgh; J Thomson Colour Printers; Antalis; Waitrose Helensburgh.

Design and Brand Identity: Stand

Filming: Julian Schwanitz and Paul Welsh

Imagery: James Johnson and HE Media

A Partnership ApproachHinterland has been brought to fruition with the invaluable support and considerable effort of a wide range of core partners, collaborators and individuals.

Particular thanks are due to Fiona Dally and Stuart Turner of EventScotland, Karen Cunningham, Director of the Festival of Architecture 2016 and the Festival of Architecture team; Marie Christie and Chelsea Charles of VisitScotland; Andrew Leitch of Creative Scotland; Elaine Jamieson of Forestry Commission Scotland; Fiona Lim and David Seers of Scottish Government and the many individuals we have been working with in Argyll and Bute Council.

A special mention must go out to Peter and Patrick Reilly and the amazing team from Reigart Contracts. They have recently completed the massive task of removing all of the hazardous material and detritus that has built up over the last 30 years to make the site safe for public access. The company are experts in this field and the level of service they have provided has been remarkable. They have delivered this extremely tough contract with unfailing courtesy and patience despite the wettest of winters and the many challenges that the building presented.

Many important architectural heritage elements have been saved, especially through their introduction of innovative techniques to use Permaseal to rescue 80 ceiling vaults which had become close to collapse. They also provided much of the site infrastructure to enable people to explore Hinterland. We are proud to call them partners.

We would also like to thank the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Glasgow. They have generously offered to donate the entire site and are rightly acknowledged as a significant contributor in the matrix of supporters of the long-term plans.

Additionally, the scale of the event production has been made possible on the basis of some much appreciated help from our technical partners. Thanks to WarPro for the great support across projector hires and technical advice, Black Light for amazing input and assistance on lighting spec, Blackbox Pro Audio for their generosity on PA hires, Andy Coates for fantastic work on content, pixel imaging and technical expertise in projection mapping, Paragon Power for power and logistical support and Portakabin for cabins and welfare facilities.

And finally, thanks to the following event partners: Scotrail; Riding Sawmills; Arnold Clark; ACT Argyll; Capability Scotland; Argyll and the Isles Tourism Cooperative; Tesco Groundworks; Tesco Helensburgh; J Thomson Colour Printers; Antalis; Waitrose Helensburgh.

Design and Brand Identity: Stand

Filming: Julian Schwanitz and Paul Welsh

Imagery: James Johnson and HE Media

Creative Team:Angus Farquhar Creative Director

James Johnson Associate Visual Director

Phil Supple Lighting Designer

Rory Boyle Composer

Bede Williams Solo Trumpet

Alistair MacDonald Sound manipulation

Tom Wilkinson Director of Chapel Choir

St Salvator’s Chapel Choir, University of St Andrews

Choral performance

NOVAK Adam Finlay Keith Daniels Elliot Thomson

Projection

Dav Bernard Lighting Installation (arclight)

Zephyr Liddell Lighting Installation (arclight)

Robbie Thomson Lighting Installation (thurible)

Pete Sach Sound Installation (brash structure)

Reigart Contracts Site Preparation

Project Team: Cristina Armstrong Project Director

Crae Caldwell Production Manager

Rebecca Powrie Engagement Coordinator

Nikki Kane Project Coordinator

Rachel Sivills Operations Manager

Annie Crabtree Project Assistant

Claire McNaught Communications Coordinator

Aaron McCarthy Event Assistant

Dave Ross Health and Safety

Wesley Cameron Production

Dave Evans Technical

Andy Reid Technical

Avais Safdar Technical

Kate Bonney LX Support

Lawrence Stromski LX Programming

Alexandra Erjavec Fundraising / Event Support

Sirri Topping Event Support

Murray Boyd Event Support

Susie Gray The Corner Shop PR

Magda Paduch The Corner Shop PR

Creative Woodland Build Volunteers:Allan, Geoff, Joanne, Jonathan, Laura, Lee, Louise, Mark, Michael, Nicola, Roy, Sara, Susan, Victoria

Box Office Volunteers:Andrea, Anita, Jacqueline, Jan

Technical Volunteers:Alec, Catherine, David, Harry, Leticia, Roy, Stephen, Victoria

Event Steward Volunteers: Alan G, Allan M, Anna, Angela, Corrie, David, Diane, Frances, Harriet, Humma, Jamie, Jan, Katherine, Kenneth, Laura, Lorna M, Lorna B, Mark, Mary, Matthew, Michael, Natalie, Sandy, Sarah C, Sarah M, Susan, Tahira

Front of House Volunteers: Amy, Dawn, Nicholas, Zoe, Neil, Cecilia, Meg, Christie, Karyn

Social Media Volunteer:Kirstin

Hinterland Mentees:Ruari, Rachel, Matt, Victoria

Capital Project TeamEllen Potter Executive Director

Jo Cook Finance Director

David Cook Capital Project Director

Clare Simpson Capital Programme Director

Peter Thierfeldt Fundraising Consultant