Beneath the Surface / Hidden Place (2007-2010)

A major Stills commission that explored 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 project. It set out to see how photography and archaeology could 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 worked in four locations across Scotland, in close collaboration with a range of individuals. The family snap played 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.

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The Radio Cafe, BBC Radio Scotland: With Jan McTaggart & Karen Hamilton

About the book: more coming soon, in the meantime, go to Stills Bookshop

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

Read 2008 Reviews

The List 3-17 July 2008
The Scotsman 30 May 2008