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18 October 2023

New Duff House exhibition explores climate change and migration through wildlife

A new exhibition showcasing a series of artworks by prize-winning wildlife artist Derek Robertson is opening this week (Friday 20 October) at Duff House in Banff, Aberdeenshire.

Artist Derek Robertson on a beach background with one of his artworks

‘Migrations - A Field Study of Adversity’ is a series of artworks by prize-winning wildlife artist Derek Robertson that draws together topics of the refugee crisis and climate change, depicting birds as environmental indicators and as metaphors for people.

Robertson realised that the routes of birds and refugees often followed close parallels, and the artworks draw on his experiences travelling through Europe to the Middle East, sketching, volunteering and teaching art activities in refugee camps and transit points.

John Mair, Monument Manager at Duff House which is managed by Historic Environment Scotland (HES), said:

The themes explored by Derek Robertson in ‘Migrants’ are ones very close to the heart of HES, where assessing the impact of climate change on our environment and the people within it is a key aspect of the work we do.

“We very much look forward to welcoming visitors through the doors of Duff House to see these beautiful and moving artworks.”

‘Migrations - A Field Study of Adversity’ will be displayed at the Long Gallery at Duff House on selected dates from Friday 20 October 2023 to Sunday 28 January 2024.

Entry to the exhibition is included in admission to Duff House, which is open Friday to Sunday from 10.15am to 4pm.

Find out more about the exhibition 

About Duff House

Duff House is a masterpiece of baroque architecture and one of the most important buildings in the north of Scotland. It was designed in 1735 by the renowned Scottish architect William Adam and is now a five-star visitor attraction, run in partnership by Historic Environment Scotland, the National Galleries of Scotland and Aberdeenshire Council.

About Historic Environment Scotland (HES) 

  • We are the lead body for Scotland’s historic environment, a charity dedicated to the advancement of heritage, culture, education and environmental protection. It is at the forefront of researching and understanding the historic environment and addressing the impacts of climate change on its future, investigating and recording architectural and archaeological sites and landscapes across Scotland and caring for more than 300 properties of national importance. We are also the lead on delivering Scotland's strategy for the historic environment, Our Past, Our Future.
  • Historic Scotland, Scran, Canmore, The National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP), The Engine Shed, Stirling Castle, and Edinburgh Castle are sub-brands of HES.
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For further information, please contact:

Laura Ely
Historic Environment Scotland Media Office
07721 959 962
communications@hes.scot

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