Inspired by the transformative power of creativity, Royal Salute’s cultural programme, The Art of Wonder, offers a contemporary interpretation of the traditional pursuit of great art for a new generation of connoisseurs.
Kingdom
The Art of Wonder
Exploring the intrinsic parallels between the ancient craft of whisky making and the inspiring world of art, The Art of Wonder provides artists with a platform to break new creative ground, while encouraging those who encounter the work to deepen their exploration of artistic expression.
A TRIBUTE TO THE TRANSFORATIVE POWER OF CREATIVITY
Each year, Royal Salute invites a visionary artist to create a bespoke artwork that pays tribute to the craft of whisky production, a piece designed to transcend tradition and inspire an unforgettable sense of wonder. Each piece is paired with a spectacular 53-Year-Old Scotch Whisky, meticulously hand-crafted by Royal Salute Master Blender, Sandy Hyslop.
Join us as we follow the artists’ journeys of inspiration, delve into their unique ways of working and witness the construction of their masterpieces.
Time Chamber By Conrad Shawcross
The second edition of Royal Salute’s Art of Wonder series sees a remarkable collaboration with acclaimed British artist, Conrad Shawcross. Specialising in the craft of sculpture, Shawcross’ work is chiefly inspired by the concept of time and space and the exploration of the cosmos. His striking geometric pieces blur the boundaries between art, physics, mathematics and philosophy, inspiring profound thought.
Displayed in public and architectural installations as well as several major solo exhibitions, his complex work captivates and inspires audiences around the world, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible at the borders of science and art.
Inspiration and Process
During his visit to the legendary Strathisla distillery, Shawcross was inspired by the vast expanse of time contained in the whiskies used to create the magnificent 53-Year-Old blend. He began focusing on how time effects change, and how he could capture this phenomenon in his artwork. Using glass to distort light and cast shadow provided a captivating medium for Shawcross to explore the rich narrative of Time.
Official Partner of Frieze Art Fair
Royal Salute is thrilled to be continuing our partnership with Frieze London for a second year, celebrating the best of contemporary art from around the world. Frieze is one of the world’s most influential and exciting art fairs, focusing purely on contemporary art and living artists, and will be returning to The Regent’s Park in London this October.
Past collaborations
2022 – 2023
Forces of Nature by Kate MccGwire
In the inaugural edition of the Art of Wonder series, Royal Salute partnered with celebrated British artist Kate MccGwire. Working primarily with feathers, MccGwire is chiefly inspired by the cycles, patterns and dualities of nature. Her collaboration piece – Royal Salute Forces of Nature by Kate MccGwire – consisted of 21 majestic sculptures created from pheasant feathers to echo the rich amber colour of whisky, the shape was inspired by the ever-changing, transformative forces of nature present in her own work and in the world of whisky making.
