An exhibition of new work by jeweller and silversmith Eileen Gatt has opened at the Castle Gallery in Inverness.

The new collection of work is inspired by Scottish folklore and was developed with the help of a Creative Development Grant from the Scottish Arts Council

She collaborated with three Highland story tellers, Janet MacInnes, Bob Pegg and Martin Watssman, and has used their stories together with other Scottish customs as a starting point for her new designs.

After graduating from the Royal College of Art in London, Eileen returned home to the Scottish Highlands to set up her own business on the Black Isle. This location provides her with the perfect environment in which to work as she aims to create pieces that portray an element of fantasy which bring ancient myths into our modern world.

The pieces in the exhibition suggest that there is a story behind them; however she does not classify herself as a “narrative jeweller”. It is not her intention that the finished pieces tell a story or communicate a message to the viewer.  She uses the stories and customs as a starting point, creating her own visual interpretations, abstracting them in such a way that the pieces convey an air of mystery and intrigue.

The exhibition is on at the Castle Gallery, 43 Castle Street, Inverness IV2 3DU tel: 01463 729512 from 8 to 29 September 2007.  Open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm.