The Pioneers is a pilot project for Bothy Stores commissioning a group of six artists and makers to design objects that directly relate to events experienced through the Bothy Project. These products will propose unique and innovative solutions to typical issues of living off-grid and seek to explore ideas around the themes of Protection – Survival – Comfort.
Kirsty McDougall, James Rigler & Virginia Hutchinson have developed products for Sweeney’s Bothy on Eigg based around ideas of comfort, producing a woven blanket and cast iron cooking pot. Bag-maker’s Trakke and ceramicist Charlotte Barker have considered survival needs at Inshriach, working on a hot shower and cool box. Laura Aldridge, and Beca Lipscombe produced products in response to Pig Rock Bothy and ideas of protection, making an apron and tablecloths to protect the bothy during workshops and a cagoul to protect you against the elements outside.
To complement our first commissioned collection of products, Bothy Stores will be hosting a series of events over 2016 that engage with the designers, their ideas and influences, as they develop their projects. These events will be located at and around each of the bothies and open to all who want to share these experiences with us.
The Pioneers is supported by Creative Scotland.