Rediscovering the legacy of Elizabeth Gray
Elizabeth Gray on the Girvan coast; age 92
Many Shades of Gray takes place along the Carrick coast inspired by geologist Elizabeth Anderson Gray (1831–1924). Working at a time when women were excluded from scientific societies, Gray spent decades walking these shores in long dress attire, collecting fossils that helped shape understanding of the region’s 450-million-year-old strata. Much of her contribution remained overshadowed in her lifetime.
Walking in her footsteps, artist Claudia Zeiske follows Elizabeth Gray’s spirit of fieldwork — though her long skirt is made of Gore-Tex rather than Victorian cloth. Instead of searching for ancient fossils, Claudia is gathering what lies at our feet now next to stones of different shades of grey: colourful remnants of fossil-fuel culture. Materials that may one day form a new geological layer — the trace of our own age, a possible “Plastocene”.
By placing Gray’s deep-time discoveries alongside the debris of today, the project asks what stories will our materials tell in many years to come?
PROGRAMME
Friday 17th April 2026: Stones, stories and the many layers of Gray
Location: McKechnie Institute Time: 5.30 – 7.30 pm
An informal conversation with geologist Katie Strang and Girvan’s artist in residence Claudia Zeiske, discussing her performance-led walking project along the Carrick coastline (Ballantrae-Girvan-Dunure). Bringing the threads of art, geology, museums and gender together in context of life and work of Girvan’s Geologist Elizabeth Gray.
This event will include a viewing of small artistic interventions the artist has created throughout her research. Those are placed alongside the collection items in The McKechnie Institute.
Refreshments will be served
Booking Info: Free but advanced/RSVP booking essential. Email Rozelle.House@south-ayrshire.gov.uk or contact the McKechnie Institute on 01465 713 643
Saturday 18th April 2026: Future Fossils Walk: Along the Girvan coast
Meeting Point: Girvan Quay Zone Time: 10 – 10.30 am
Join a guided walk along Girvan beach with artist-in-residence Claudia Zeiske. Participants of all ages are invited to collect stones and plastic items — our “future fossils” (equipment provided). Together, we will reflect on what traces of today might remain in the future, with findings brought back for discussion and follow-up workshops at the McKechnie Institute.
To take part, please contact us for further information and booking:
Rozelle.House@south-ayrshire.gov.uk or the McKechnie Institute on 01465 713 643. Free activity, but booking essential.
Workshop: Stone identification session with geologist Nick May
Location: McKechnie Institute Time: 11.45am- 12.15pm
Together we will look closely at stones found along Girvan beach. Nick will help identify the different rock types, while Claudia will guide us in observing their shapes, textures and beauty.
All ages welcome but under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Workshop: Modern fossil making with Fiona Malcolm
Location: McKechnie Institute Time: 12.15 – 1.15pm
Booking Info: Free and drop in (no booking required).
Together we will create “modern fossils” using the found objects from the Girvan coastline. Using plastic items and other everyday materials, we will make prints and impressions in air-drying clay — imagining what traces of our time might remain in the future. All ages welcome but under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Workshop: Stone Drawing with Claudia Zeiske
Location: McKechnie Institute Time: 12.15 – 1.15pm
Booking Info: Free and drop in (no booking required).
A slow drawing session focusing on the beauty of stones and their many shades of grey. Using charcoal and pencil, we will look closely at form, texture and tone, and translate these observations into simple drawings. All ages welcome but under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Illustrated Talk: Ayrshire Coast and other long-distance walking
Location: Girvan Library Time: 2 – 3.30pm
Booking Info: Free and drop in (no booking required).
This event shares stories and images from walking the Ayrshire coast, alongside other long-distance walks undertaken in Scotland and beyond. Presented by Girvan’s artist in residence Claudia Zeiske, it explores walking as both an artistic practice and a way of engaging with landscape, place and people.
