HAMISH HENDERSON
What drove Charles Nasmyth to paint a portrait of a man he never met, and had barely heard of?
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Inspiration
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The Fife-based artist became inspired by the life and work of Hamish Henderson, after meeting Katzel, his widow.
He spent a year learning from Hamish's former friends and colleagues about his achievements. Well known for his folk song collecting and support for Scottish self-determination, Charles discovered that there was much more to admire in Hamish's life story.
In particular, his own poetry and song-writing, his remarkable war-service in the British Army and his inspirational teaching at Edinburgh University.
Henderson's folk-song collecting, Charles discovered, was motivated not just by his Perthshire roots, but the influence of Italian philosopher, Antonio Gramsci, whose respect for the 'culture of the people' he deeply admired.
And he was determined that the 'carrying stream' of Scottish culture, expressed in the songs, ballads and stories he collected, should not be swamped by outside influences. Especially that the Scots language should thrive as a living expression of Scotland's identity and culture.
In this film, Charles revisits the people who taught him Hamish's life-story. And explains why he was inspired to paint his portrait.
About Charles Nasmyth
Charles is a long-time friend and associate of Richard Demarco, who introduced him to Katzel, the widow of the poet and folklorist Hamish Henderson, at the Edinburgh Art Fair. Charles had exhibited work there, based on the lives of Robert Burns and William McGonagall, both figures of great significance to Henderson. In the conversation that ensued between the three of them, it was agreed that Charles should paint a portrait of Hamish Henderson.
