Find out the latest news and events at Bonhoga Gallery
Bonhoga means ‘my spiritual home’ and we hope this has become a home for the arts in Shetland.
Opened in April 1994, Bonhoga Gallery at Weisdale Mill is the first purpose-built visual and applied art gallery in Shetland and the most northerly in the UK, showing a programme of local, national and international art and craft exhibitions. It was one of the key early projects in the work of the Shetland Arts Trust and important in that it centred arts policy outwith Lerwick. Situated on the west side of Shetland, Weisdale Mill was once part of the estate of Flemington known today as Kergord.
Ten shows are held each year in the main gallery with take-away shows of art and craft in the Lower Gallery also changing ten times annually. A short film programme is shown in the stairwell. An education and outreach programme accompanies most shows.
The cafe, in the south-facing conservatory, on the lower ground floor over looking Kergord Burn has ensured that it has become a very popular place with the local Shetland population and visitors to the islands. The selection of fresh food, much of which is locally produced and given a cosmopolitan flavour, is complimented by a tempting range of teas, coffees and soft drinks.
Weisdale Mill also houses a gallery shop stocked with an ever changing array of design-led goods, innovative products, cards, books and an inspiring range of hand made papers.
Bonhoga also has a lively touring exhibition programme with shows at Sumburgh Airport, the Leisure Centres in Yell, Unst and Whalsay and in the Peerie Shop Cafe, Lerwick . These shows offer work for sale and change every three months.
History
Weisdale Mill began operating in Martinmas 1855 as a meal and barley mill. It was built by Jack Mason, the “Flying Mason” under the instructions of the infamous Black family, who cleared the Weisdale Valley, replacing people with sheep. The Weisdale Mill, powered by it’s vertical wheel, served the community until the early part of the 20th century. During its life as a working mill it was the scene of more than one terrible tragedy. On the evening of March 24th 1863 the mill was working slowly and the miller, Mr Andrew Lundie, was working alone. Believing him to be late in returning, his wife went to the mill to fetch him for his tea, and was confronted by the sight of his body being carried around on the wheel. Her shock was so great that she was unable to summon assistance and it was only after another family member had become concerned about the length of absence of both Mr and Mrs Lundie, that the mill was stopped and Mr Lundie was freed. Upon examination it was discovered the he had perished in the incident. It was supposed that Mr Lundie’s jacket had accidentally become entangled in the wheel while he was performing a task in the vicinity.
Just over ten years later, on September 15th 1873, the then miller, Mr Campbell, suffered a similar accident. While he was operating the mill, one of his arms became caught in the machinery, and before assistance could be provided was severely crushed, to the extent that it had to be amputated the next day by Drs. Cowie and Harrison.
More recently the building was used as a butcher’s shop.
The building was purchased by Shetland Arts Trust in 1985.
Browse for more images on Flickr of Weisdale Mill and Bonhoga Gallery
Gift Vouchers
We now offer ‘A Hansel for Shetland Arts’ gift voucher which can be used for purchases at Bonhoga Gallery, or any Shetland Arts’ event. For more information or to purchase a gift voucher, please contact Bonhoga Gallery or the Shetland Arts office 01595 743843.
Location
The central location of Weisdale Mill on the B075 makes it easily accessible from all points. Take the turn off at Sandwater on the A970 north or the Kergord turning on the A971 to the west. Bonhoga is signposted.
Buses to Walls and Aith pass near to the Gallery.
Admission: Free of charge
Accessibility: Disabled parking, wheelchair ramp, disabled toilet
Opening Hours
Gallery, cafe and shop open:
Tuesday – Saturday 10.30 am – 4.30 pm
Sunday 12.00 am – 4.30 pm
Contacts:
Bonhoga Gallery, Weisdale Mill, Weisdale, Shetland ZE2 9LW, United Kingdom
Telephone: 44 (0) 1595 745750
Fax: 44 (0) 1595 830444
bonhoga@shetlandarts.org
Bonhoga on Google
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