Tobermory & coastal arts
How cute is Tobermory? It’s the main town on Mull, famed for its coloured buildings and role as Balamory on CBeebies (catchiest theme tune ever). Tobermory was built as a fishing port in the 18th Century and has lots of nice independent fish restaurants (don’t tell Rick Stein), a few great pubs, a fish and chip van, its own ice cream brand and a handful of crafts shops.
It was the crafts that struck me, not just in this town, but all over the island. There were nice herringbone blankets, horn utensils and handmade ceramics. But, there were more tragic scenes of cheap tassled scarf-ish things and, well, what’s best described as tat. For no good reason too – the Highlands and islands are full of skilled craftspeople and artists whose work would go down a storm with the hundreds of tourists on Mull.
Back in Glasgow a good friend laid into this tat element and after three bottles of Prosecco we decided that Tobermory could use a big artistic heart right on the harbour. In other words, wouldn’t it be great if Tobermory had a Jerwood?
The one in Hastings (by HAT) is brilliant and – I think – adds even more atmosphere to the Rock-a-Nore area with its tall black panelled fishermen’s huts. I wonder if the locals agree.
And would the Tobermory locals welcome something similar? There is already An Tobar, which looks good but, tucked up a hill away from the harbour, lacks the prominent position and statement building.
In other sort-of related news, have you seen that the V&A will be opening its Dundee outpost in 2015? The building, by Japanese practice Kengo Kuma & Associates, looks amazing.
Such a refreshing read; especially the visuals! could actually feel like I was there. Thank you for sharing this!
p.s. I recently found you blog and am loving the inspirational posts! keep up the great work!
Thanks Eva! From Jill & Ros x