Granite Gallery
This fascinating framed set of granite samples usually hangs in the Granite Gallery at Fyfe Glenrock in Oldmeldrum, however it’s currently at Aberdeen Art Gallery in Voices from the Granite Industry an exhibition presented by Aberdeen City Heritage Trust with support from Historic Environment Scotland and Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums.
The collection shows the range of granites that were at one time available from John Fyfe Ltd, and the countries they came from. The foreign granites are often given Scottish names, for example Braemar Grey from Finland.
Above a detailed section from an interpretation panel in Voices from the Granite Industry featuring historic images of Kemnay and Tillifourie quarries.
Kemnay Quarry now.
I used red Corennie granite for the first time in a recent commission. It’s not available abundantly. My work was carefully fitted into this piece avoiding the drill holes and parts that had broken away. Corennie granite is from Tillifourie Quarry which was between Alford and Kemnay it’s no longer operational.
Despite the historical nature of the exhibition and local quarries no longer being worked, the granite industry is still very much alive. Along with a highly skilled long-serving team there are several young apprentices learning the trade at Fyfe Glenrock.
