Connections past, present and future underpin an exhibition of contemporary applied art which is currently on at the Timespan gallery in Helmsdale. 

Making Connections is a select show of work by Helen Gilmour, Charlie Sale, Su Blackwell, Abigail Percy, Alison Macleod and Deirdre Nelson.

Helen Gilmour’s collection of ‘knittted’ ceramics are cleverly devised pieces such as a teapot, cup and saucer which are non-functional pieces and only to be enjoyed.  Textile artist Deirdre is showing work based on the Ayrshire needleworkers who produced meticulous Ayrshire whitework. Exploring the stories associated with the needleworkers and the sometimes darker layers which were revealed as these stories unravelled, her pieces are humorous reflections of these tales.

Abigail Percy, one of three jewellers exhibiting, is inspired by a love and fascination for historical repeat pattern design, particularly floral.  The other jewellers are Alison Macleod whose work is inspired by her love for collections of old objects found in junk shops, attics and museums and Laura McIver who draws on the concept of simplifying and stylizing organic shapes into patterns and silhouettes and is influenced by visuals in Japanese textiles.

Charlie Sale’s collection of glass vessels is inspired by a love of subaquatic pattern, colours and forms. Cumbria based metal worker Su Blackwell has captured the fragile character of wrens, humming birds and other varieties cleverly formed using safety pins.

The exhibition is on from 6 to 31 May at Timespan Heritage Centre, Dunrobin Street, Helmsdale, Sutherland KW8 6JX tel: 01431 821 327.  Opening hours Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 12 noon to 5pm.  Admission free.