EVENT: WINTER EXHIBITION | VICTOR HENDERSON

Victor Henderson: Waterlilies at Drumlanrig

Victor Henderson is developing a firm following for his vibrant watercolours. There could be no better way to brighten up your home on a dreich day than one of his paintings of spring and summer colours that are just around the corner.
Victor is one of three local artists currently exhibiting in our Winter Exhibition.  Fiona Allardyce-Lewis and Silvana McLean bring their own distinctive work to the gallery too.

And you can also see reproductions of  images in our featured book for the exhibition :  A Literary Christmas | An Anthology. It’s beautifully illustrated. The cover of that book is the masthead for this blog.

Our Winter Exhibition is on now. 

FESTIVE LUNCHING AT TOSH

Here it is in time for those pre-Christmas get togethers: our set festive lunch. We are also doing our normal lunch time service with all you favourites. If you would like to book a festive lunch ring us on 01848 331 553, or just pop in.  And of course, we cater for special dietary needs.

EVENT: WINTER EXHIBITION | SILVANA MCLEAN

Meltwater: One of Silvana's works on display now

Silvana McLean is one of the trio of local artists exhibiting at our Winter Exhibition, joining Victor Henderson and Fiona Allardyce-Lewis. 
This is Silvana's second appearance in our gallery this year.  She was central to our Life’s a Beach exhibition in the summer, part of our move to quarterly themes that the cafe and shop get involved with as well.  That was a visual treat, so it’s great to have Silvana in our Winter Exhibition too.

Silvana transports you across seas, to Northern glaciers, wintery woods, and beautiful coasts. Her use of mixed media and boxed frames means that every work is a story in itself.

Our Winter Exhibition is on now. 

EVENT: WINTER EXHIBITION | FIONA ALLARDYCE-LEWIS

Fiona Allardyce-Lewis with the original of Burns Supper : prints of this work are now available at Tosh

This year a trio of local artists are exhibiting with us for the annual Thomas Tosh Winter Exhibition. They are Fiona Allardyce-Lewis, Silvana McLean and Victor Henderson.

Fiona was the first artist to exhibit at Tosh when we launched in 2008. Humorous depictions of feasting and enjoyment are central to her work.

Fiona is launching her new range of limited edition prints exclusively in Dumfriesshire with us. And she has also created a new range of cards which are great for that special occasion.  While you are enjoying her work, Burns Supper, try and find a famous dog. Hint: he's had a recent nose job.

Also scattered around Tosh are limited edition screen prints featuring DC Thomson favourites Oor Wullie and the stars of the 75 year old Beano:  Dennis the Menace and, another famous dog, Gnasher. Our Winter Exhibition is on now. 

FORTHCOMING EVENT: CLARE MELINSKY 2014 WORKSHOPS

Clare Melinsky, the highly regarded and much published linocut artist, is holding a new series of workshops at Thomas Tosh in February.
Clare, who has illustrated numerous books, will be holding the workshops each Saturday in February (1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd). They cost £55 each and include lunch and refreshments, with room for 6 people each session.
You can just try one session, or maybe build up your skills over a few. And they would make a great Xmas gift, so Clare has created unique gift tokens for the workshops.
For more info contact Thomas Tosh. Tel: 01848 331 553, or info@thomastosh.com

Event Report: Duke of Buccleuch at Tosh

Duke Richard presents to Thornhill Heritage Society

The Duke of Buccleuch delved into his family's history on Tuesday 19 November at Thomas Tosh. Duke Richard was the guest speaker of the Thornhill Heritage Society.

The Duke gave a richly illustrated talk about his eighteenth century forebear, the third Duke of Buccleuch, Henry.

Henry's tutor was Adam Smith, the giant of economics, and author of the Wealth of Nations. Smith took the future Duke on a tour of Europe that saw them meet Voltaire, a philosophical superstar in Europe.

Duke Richard said it was very special to think of his forbear as a ward of Smith meeting Voltaire. The current Duke also talked about how he was working to ensure Adam Smith's legacy, with recent trips to Hong Kong and South Korea.

The Duke also showed images of Dalkeith, home of Henry, and Boughton, both still part of the Buccleuch estates, along with local Drumlanrig Castle, near Thornhill.

Mary Bromilow Book Launch

Alexa Rutherford's cover illustration

Mary Bromilow will be launching her new book Nan's Rabbit tomorrow at Tosh (Saturday 27th April) from 10.30am-12.30pm. She will be joined by Alexa Rutherford, who has illustrated this story for children.

Mary doesn't shy from the often tough realities of young life on a farm. She says:

"The tale is largely autobiographical, and I remember the day and the experiences very clearly.

The story is for any child who loves animals, and who can find it hard to come to terms with the apparent cruelty of nature and the seemingly hard hearted attitudes of adults."

Don't worry, despite reality rearing its head, this rabbit tale has a happy ending. This is Mary's second book launch at Tosh.  Her previous, the factual The Clydesdale about that horse breed,  was a great success. So good luck to Mary and Alexa on another winning streak with their children's story. Paul

Spring Highlights at Tosh

Beware winter! Gilbert & Sullivan and indie band Lorraine McCauley and the Borderlands are coming to Tosh to drive you away this Spring. 
Thomas Tosh is hosting Lorraine and the Borderlands on May 27th as part of the Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival. You can see Lorraine in our banner picture at the top of this page.
And the Edinburgh Gilbert and Sullivan Society will be at Tosh on June 2nd as part of the Festival too.

Plus it's our fifth birthday in May, so we have a special Toshcentric Bistro night inspired by our popular cafe menu. Keep up to date with all the news here.

written by Paul O'Keeffe