Oak/Bark/Boat

ArtistDesigned/Sent by Ian Hamilton Finlay (Nassau, Bahamas, 1925 - 2006)

RecipientReceived by Joyce Laing (Aberdeen, Scotland, 1939 - 2022)

PrinterPrinted by Wild Hawthorn Press (founded 1961)

Date1998

Object NameCard

Mediumcard, ink

ClassificationsPrints

DimensionsPaper Size: 10 x 14.2cm

AcquisitionPresented in 2010 by Joyce Laing OBE.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG017551

About MeCard designed by Ian Hamilton Finlay and printed by the Wild Hawthorn Press. It features the following text printed onto one side of pale brown card:

oak/bark/boat

'The boys cut their boats from the oak bark and floated them, supplied with thwarts and rudder, in the Metten brook. Those play-voyages knew nothing yet of journeys upon which all shores are left behind.'

M. Heidegger, The Country Lane (Der Feldweg), 1953
Ian Hamilton Finlay. Wild Hawthorn Press 1998

This work is part of an archive that belonged to Joyce Laing, OBE. The artist, Ian Hamilton Finlay, was a personal friend and sent her an example of each new poem print and multiple as it was made.
More About Me

Collections Wall

As well as being the word for the outer surface of a tree, "bark" can also mean a type of sailing ship. What impact does this have on how you think about this artwork?

Exhibitions

Shoreline