A Great Stromnessian – The Art of Provost George ‘Doddy’ S Robertson

A Great Stromnessian – The Art of Provost George ‘Doddy’ S Robertson opens at the Pier Arts Centre on Saturday 21 June and will be on display until 2 August.

This exhibition of paintings, photographs and archive material illustrates the colourful life of Robertson, who, as Provost of Stromness 1946-1953, worked tirelessly to rebuild the community in the aftermath of WWII.

Pier Arts Centre Curator Andrew Parkinson commented ‘While Doddy Robertson did not receive any formal training in art his paintings of Stromness are some of the most individual and striking images ever produced of the town. The way Robertson frames and depicts his subjects displays a unique eye that conveys the vitality and life of the place and indeed the artist’s love of Stromness.’

As a County Councillor as well as Provost of Stromness, Doddy Robertson was instrumental in setting up Stromness Shopping Week, in an effort to encourage trade and footfall in the town, and co-founded the Stromness Golf Course at Ness in 1923 where he played regularly well into his 90s. Other key community facilities were also greatly aided by his work including the Stromness Swimming Pool, the football pitch at the market green and Stromness Community Centre. In the words of his friend Ian MacInnes, Doddy Robertson ‘…entered on his own gentle crusade to make things better for Stromness.’.

Parkinson continued ‘Anyone who has enjoyed the pleasures of Stromness Shopping Week, swam in Stromness Swimming Pool or played a round of golf at Ness would do well to offer a nod of appreciation to George ‘Doddy’ S Roberston.’

Robertson served for 27 years on Stromness Town Council and for many years on Orkney County Council Education Committee (Orkney Islands Council was established in 1975) and as Postmaster at Stromness Post Office where he operated a ‘…kind of one-man citizens advice bureau.’ (MacInnes) In his obituary it was reported that at one time he served on more than 40 committees or bodies.

Wendy Barker of Orkney Arts Society commented “This Exhibition brings together the many aspects of his meticulously documented life and love of Stromness. Whilst it puts into focus his extraordinary paintings, I have been fascinated to discover a broader creativity well beyond his art, through his lifelong interest in photography, his writings and travelogues that will be on display, and continue to delight the more I look at them.

He was clearly proud of his achievements but always understated his impact on people, the town and further afield. I am thrilled to help turn the spotlight on at last.”

A close friend of both Ian MacInnes and George Mackay Brown, with their encouragement Robertson took up painting after he retired in the 1950s. The post-war period saw a resurgence in artistic activity in the town, led by Brown and MacInnes along with other important cultural figures including Archie and Elisabeth Bevan, Gerry Meyer and Ernest W Marwick. This cultural renaissance helped lay the groundwork for the many festivals and institutions, including the Pier Arts Centre, that the people of Stromness enjoy today.

The exhibition includes a selection of Doddy Robertson’s paintings of Stromness alongside archive material and photographs relating to his life.

The Pier Arts Centre’s summer opening times are Monday-Saturday 10:30am-5pm. Admission is free.

The exhibition is supported by Orkney Islands Council's Culture Fund.