Glasgow-based illustrator and artist Adrian B McMurchie has an uncanny eye for detail that he uses to create intricate prints of city buildings, landmarks and skylines, finds Karen Peattie.
His work can be seen hanging on the walls in many a Glasgow restaurant and café, the intricate and distinctive detail enticing patrons to take a closer look.
But renowned illustrator and artist Adrian B McMurchie’s creations are by no means restricted to city eateries with cityscapes, buildings and landmarks all featuring across a range of prints, paintings, fabrics and gift items such as coasters, fridge magnets, tea towels, aprons, T-shirts and tote bags.
From the Duke of Wellington with his famous traffic cone in Glasgow city centre to the Finnieston Crane, the Stewart Memorial Fountain and Charing Cross Mansions – and there are many, many more – Adrian has captured just about all of them.
“Well, I thought I had but actually, as it turns out, I haven’t,” he says, who also produces produce a series of city-themed word maps.
“For example, I’ve illustrated the famous Barras in the east end but only at night when it’s lit up – I’ve yet to do it during the day when it takes on a different perspective and looks almost other-worldly.
“The King Tut’s music venue in St Vincent Street is another one I’ve still to do and with so much change taking place across the city I don’t think I’ll run out of inspiration any time soon.”
Indeed, whenever Adrian draws a skyscape there’s usually something new to add not long afterwards, the Glasgow riverside being a point in case.
“I’ve done many different city skylines over the years and when I return to the same view it’s usually different,” he explains.
It’s not all about Glasgow, however – Adrian offers a selection of prints of Edinburgh buildings and landmarks, including Calton Hill, Camera Obscura, the Scottish National Gallery, the Royal Mile and the colourful Victoria Street, said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley in JK Rowling’s Harry Potter books.
Using different materials but generally watercolour and ink, Adrian work often has a gritty feel, particularly some of his urban scenes. His buildings are very detailed, almost architectural in nature, and the name he uses for some of his work – Dead Famous Cities – perfectly reflects the subject matter.
Glasgow born and bred, Adrian graduated in graphic design (incorporating illustration and photography) in 1990, working as a graphic artist for several years before concentrating on commercial art.
His larger works, mostly panoramic cityscapes, can be seen in buildings across Scotland including the Radisson RED hotel in Glasgow
Adrian also designed one of the statues for the highly-successful Oor Wullie’s Big Bucket Trail which took place in 2019 to raise funds for The Archie Foundation, Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity and Edinburgh Children’s Charity.
His family then bought the statue – entitled A Reasonably Accurate Map of Glasgow after one of pieces in his word maps series – and donated it to the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow where it remains on display.
Recent commissions have included yet-to-be displayed piece focusing on Glasgow record shops for a new display at the Riverside Museum in the city and another for Clifford’s Tower in York, also not yet on display.
Adrian’s work can be purchased via his websites, his Etsy shops and a range of outlets including the Scottish Design Exchanges stores in Glasgow and Edinburgh and numerous independent shops which are listed on the websites.
www.amcmurchie.com and www.deadfamouscities.com
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