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19 January - 7 April 2002
Stirling in the Sixties
The Photographs of A D S MacPherson

The photographs in this exhibition show a very different picture of Stirling and Stirlingshire, although many of the scenes are recognisable. Arthur MacPherson was born in Grantown-on-Spey, where his father was a grocer and his mother an artist. The family later moved to Glasgow, where Arthur worked with a timber merchant and discovered his aptitude for photography when one of his first photographs won a prize from the Daily Express. He was a member of the YMCA and Partick Camera Clubs, both of which were highly regarded in the city.

After five years service in Italy and North Africa during the Second World War, A D S MacPherson started to earn a living as a freelance photographer for the national Press. He moved to Stirling where he took great delight in photographing both the old town and new developments such as the University, which opened in 1967. His work was highly regarded, and his photographs appeared in half page format in the Scotsman and Weekly Scotsman (a news digest which went world wide), as well as featuring in their annual calendars.

A D S MacPherson was a keen hill walker and cyclist, and in his work, travelled Scotland by motorbike to take fine photographs for Scotland's newspapers. All of his pictures were developed and processed in his home in Stirling, where he has continued to live since his retirement in 1982.

These photographs probably contributed to the development of modern tourism in Stirling. In the 1960s, the old town was unappreciated, and it was only after the Argylls moved from Stirling Castle in 1964 that the decision to restore the Great Hall was taken. A D S MacPherson's sharp and picturesque photographs of Stirling appearing regularly in the national press undoubtedly contributed to the reassessment of Stirling as a visitor destination.

It is fitting that the exhibition was opened by Dr Elaine Murray, the new Deputy Minister whose portfolio includes both Tourism and Culture. Dr. Murray said:
"This fine exhibition shows the great changes over the years and highlights Stirling as a tourist destination."
"Museums and the cultural sector have a vital role to play reinvigorating the tourism industry in Scotland. Our Commitment to these sectors has led to the provision of funds for the National Audit of Museums and the Cultural Strategy. This exhibition will be of interest to local people and to visitors to the area".

The Trustees and Friends of the Stirling Smith were delighted that Dr Murray made time in her busy schedule to open the exhibition.
The Richfield Springs Band performed the songs of the Sixties at the opening.

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