Ron Sandford’s ‘Spirit of Places’ opens this weekend at Shetland Museum and Archives

The Shetland Museum’s Gadderie space will be transformed by Spirit of Places, a wide-ranging exhibition by Yell-based artist Ron Sandford. Opening Saturday 10 May, the exhibition brings together over 60 works that reflect Sandford’s deep connection to place – drawing on his life in Shetland, time spent in China, and travels across Europe. Through meticulously observed still lifes, landscapes, and portraits in pencil, pen, ink, and watercolour, the exhibition showcases Sandford’s remarkable skill and enduring commitment to drawing.

Born in 1937 in Greenock and trained at Glasgow School of Art in etching and engravement, Sandford is known for his detailed architectural drawings and expressive mark-making. His works, characterised by a deep reverence for place and precision, have appeared in collaborations with renowned institutions such as the V&A Museum.

Since moving to Cullivoe, Yell, in 2002, Sandford has immersed himself in the Shetland landscape, producing a remarkable body of work that captures the essence of the islands alongside his international experiences. Spirt of Places brings together over 60 original pieces – largely pen, ink and watercolour, with a selection of striking linocuts – combining meticulous observation and creative expression. Sandford describes the pieces as a selection of drawings that would not take ‘no’ for an answer and made for no apparent reason other than evidence of themselves and the spirit of the places depicted.

The exhibition is curated to reflect the rhythm and contrasts of Sandford’s life and work, offering viewers a journey from the quiet intimacy of Shetland peat banks to the vibrant towering skylines and energy of Hong Kong.

Shetland Museum’s exhibition officer, Karen Clubb, explains: “The Gadderie walls are alive with Ron’s distinctive style and vision. His large-scale pieces are technically breathtaking - yet personal. Intricate architectural vistas sit beside informal everyday details. His daily sketchbooks are equally compelling – capturing everything from a fish on a plate, a Shetland wildflower, to the hush of a community hall with the same care and curiosity.

“There is a sense of movement throughout the exhibition, a pace that captures the unexpected, each corner bringing new shifts in mood and place, transporting us from the pulse of city life to the meditative stillness of rural Shetland.”

In Sandford’s own words, “The spirit of a place must be felt rather than seen.” His work moves effortlessly between the intimate and the monumental, reminding us that place is both where we stand, and how we make sense of the world around us.

All works in the exhibition are available for sale, with the added option of 10 monthly interest-free payments through the ‘Own Art’ scheme. An exhibition catalogue is also available for purchase. All framing has been carried out by the Whalefirth Men’s Shed.

Spirit of Places runs until 10 August.