Beneath the Surface / Hidden Place (2007 to present)
A major Stills commission exploring the physical and emotional effects of economic change and regeneration in Scotland
The history under our feet to the time when our own may be under foot in future: this is the central theme explored by this current project. It sets out to see how photography and archaeology can be incorporated in both literal and metaphorical ways to speak of ‘history’ – particularly history that is within living memory connected to a changed, erased or hidden place. The project is working in six locations across Scotland, in close collaboration with a range of individuals. The family snap plays a central part in the process - see examples below of photographs of places that have undergone major change and in which personal history has been ambiguously caught.
Stills launches Beneath the Surface / Hidden Place: May, 2008
Project Events in 2008: Ardler, June 2008
Special thanks to my collaborators:
Alexander Brown (Craigmillar, Edinburgh)
Karen Hamilton, Martin Peter, Mark Scott and Lesley Weir (Ardler, Dundee)
Drew Johnstone & Mary Kennedy (Doon Valley, East Ayrshire)
Jan McTaggart & George McTaggart (Foxbar, Paisley)
Special thanks also to:
Alistair MacLeod & the Ardler Village Trust
Dr Mike Cressey & Dr Melanie Johnson of CFA Archaeology LTD
Mike Greenlaw, Craigmillar Arts Centre
Elaine Mackie, Doon Valley Museum East Ayrshire Council
Biddy Simpson & Kate Maynard, East Lothian Council
Coming soon: The Radio Cafe, BBC Radio Scotland: With Jan McTaggart & Karen Hamilton
Download a PDF for more about the project

























