Thirty of Scotland’s finest craft artists showcase their work in The Cutting Edge exhibition at Aberdeen Art Gallery which is open until 12 April 2008.

The Cutting Edge features silverwork, ceramics, jewellery, glass, textiles, willow weaving, furniture and metalwork by leading craft workers including Malcolm Appleby, Mark Devlin, Jan Milne, Grant McCaig, Helen McPherson, Sarah Taylor, Keiko Mukaide and Jack Cunningham.

Christine Rew, art gallery & museums manager, said: “The Cutting Edge realises a long-held ambition for an exhibition presenting the best of modern Scottish crafts.

“The word `crafts’ is often associated with ideas and traditions but this exhibition demonstrates that Scottish contemporary work is well-designed, brilliantly made and takes its inspiration from a wealth of sources. All the exhibitors responded magnificently to the double meaning of the exhibition title by creating work that is innovative and which uses cutting tools in its creation. 

“The range of work on display is quite remarkable, from the beauty of Ray Flavell's hand-blown glass and Lizzie Farey's exquisite basketry to Rachel Hazell's book sculpture to Adrian Hope's elegant silver box.”

The diverse range of pieces is also celebrated in a book, featuring photographs by Shannon Tofts and essays by international craft writers who provide fascinating insights into Scotland’s contemporary crafts. The book is on sale from the gallery shop at £14.99.

The exhibition is a partnership between Aberdeen City Council, East Ayrshire Council, Glasgow City Council and National Museums Scotland, and is supported by the Scottish Arts Council National Lottery Fund.

The exhibition is on at Aberdeen Art Gallery, located on Schoolhill in Aberdeen from 9 February to 12 April 2008.  Open from 10am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday, and from 2pm to 5pm on Sundays. Admission is free.