Visit Helensburgh Library for Anderson Trust art exhibition

Every year, Helensburgh Library hosts an exhibition showcasing paintings from the Anderson Trust collection.

The latest collection, whic is now on show, is not based on a theme, as in previous years, but rather a challenge set to the Trust's committee and trustees to choose their three favourite works.

Another artwork which can be seen on display (Image: Caroline Sillars)

The result is an extensive selection of pieces, differing in subject and style, reflecting the subjective nature of art.

The committee and trustees made their selections based on various factors.

A spokesperson for the Trust said: "It is evident from the reasons given that many different factors play a part in the choice of a painting – colour, light, scenes that capture not just a view but an atmosphere of the local area, topographical history, memories of childhood activities such as skating on the skating pond at the top of Helensburgh, memories, even, of the artist or of a view that is no more."

The Anderson Trust collection originated from Annie Templeton Anderson's donation to Helensburgh in 1981 of her personal collection of 34 paintings.

The old parish church (Image: Gregor Ian Smith)

Annie - known as Nance - had died at the Barclay Smith Home in Colquhoun Street on January 13 of the previous year, aged 90.

After her death, her nephew Bill and his brother found two hand-written notes stating that she wanted her collection of pictures to be given to the town.

The daughter of a former Provost of Helensburgh, Annie served on the former Helensburgh Town Council and was heavily involved with many community groups in the town.

She and her brothers and sisters donated the Templeton family's home Drumgarve, a block lower and on the other side of John Street, to the town in 1946 to become the Templeton Library, and it opened to the public in 1950.

It eventually closed in 1998, the year after Argyll and Bute Council's new Helensburgh Library opened in West King Street.

Her strong connection with Helensburgh is evident throughout the collection, as is her discerning knowledge of what constitutes a fine painting.

Ms Anderson left this significant collection in trust for the people of Helensburgh - and since her death it has expanded from the original 34 paintings to 136 works of art.

Visitors to the library can enjoy the annual selection of paintings and are invited by the trustees of the Anderson Trust to express their views on the displayed artworks.

Members of the public can view the exhibition in Helensburgh Library and see the town through the eyes of artists who found inspiration in the town and surrounding area.

Visitors are invited to select their favourite displayed painting and leave a note explaining their choice in the book provided.

The opening hours of the library, and the exhibition, are Tuesday and Wednesday from 9.30am to 4.30pm, Thursday 9.30am-6.30pm, and Friday and Saturday 9.30-1pm.