This collection by artist Lily Roberts has been inspired by and developed from the atmosphere and culture of Scottish pubs, with pieces that welcome the viewer into a warm setting: inviting engaged play, drinking and familiar discussion. Lily’s relationship with Scottishness and her continued experience as a bartender informs the foundations of this body or work.

The title ‘Solas anns an Sgàil’ translates to ‘light in the shade’ in Scottish Gaelic and embodies the comforting environment of your local pub, a phrase loosely inspired by the Italian term ‘Chiascuro’ – the artistic use of intensely contrasting dark and light.

Material choices embrace the cosy energy of low lighting – utilising the reflective nature of polished metals and notes of red. Each piece serving one if not more functional purposes, simultaneously celebrating the interactions and emotions experienced nightly in pubs.