Its almost three years to the day that the official document twinning Barga with East Lothian in Scotland was signed amidst brass bands playing, a lot of flag-waving, a good deal of handshakes, cut ribbons and loud applause ringing through the piazzas of Barga Vecchia ( article here)
This week those piazzas are very much quieter thanks to a certain Icelandic volcano which has disrupted air travel across most of Europe but if you look closely that connection with East Lothian and Scotland is still in evidence.
Peter Barr, a freelance writer and photographer (site here) and Aileen Grant a painter (site here) , both based in Musselburgh, East Lothian, Scotland had heard so much about Barga from other artists and friends in East Lothian that they came to see what all the fuss was about.
Aileen was here working on a series of sketches and charcoal drawings as preparations for her finished paintings which will be exhibited at the next 3 Harbours Festival in Cockenzie & Port Seton.
Click on the link below to hear Aileen and Peter talking about their time here in Barga:
Aileen and Peter
Such has been the degree of immigration that an estimated 60 per cent of Barga’s population boast relatives in Scotland – particularly in Glasgow, Paisley, Largs and Saltcoats. In the summer holiday season especially, the voices echoing through the narrow streets and piazzas of the old town can sound strangely familiar to a visiting Scot. – Jim Gilchrist – The Scotsman
[mappress]
I love these sketches!
Familiar sights and lines, and great architectural pieces as well.