A new venture Popping up in Doune
WHEN PARTNERS Emma Yuill and Barry Jenkins visited Doune for the first time in 2023, they quickly realised it was the perfect place for them to fulfill a long standing dream. Artist Barry had been visiting the area to start a mural job accompanied by his partner Emma, and it was then that they stumbled upon the small, historic, pretty village of Doune, some 8 miles north west of Stirling on the River of Teith.
An artist for 30 years, having studied illustration in Glasgow, Barry has painted large scale murals in Scotland and around the world. Emma worked in travel for many years after university, then trained as a therapist in 2008, working in various therapy roles over the last 14 years.
“We had always wanted to move to the country and after discovering Doune things moved pretty quickly and we moved from Glasgow to Doune in 2023. I’ve always been interested in art and unique and quirky gifts and secretly always wanted to have an art and gift shop!” says Emma.
“We found a property in the village and 10 months later took on the shop premises in the centre of the village and began selling gifts and art prints. The space at the back of the shop was unused, and so the gallery space evolved
We both love art and have lots of connections with artists and makers from various backgrounds and styles across Scotland.”
“While the gift shop has been open for a year, we only opened the gallery space six months ago and so appreciate this is early for any business and takes time for people to know we are here. We have collaborated with local Scottish artists, and are now building up a clearer picture of the direction we are looking to go in and the work we would like to exhibit”, explains Emma.
“The locals are very positive about the gallery, with several local sales and many return visits to see what new work we have. As the gallery is now building momentum we are being visited by people from towns and villages further afield.
“Doune is very popular for tourists, further enhanced from the popularity of the series ‘Outlander’ and 50 years of Monty Python. Tourists tend to be looking to buy art prints related to Doune and Scottish landmarks rather than originals but we have had lots of lovely feedback about the space and the variety of artwork for sale.
“Looking forwards we would love the gallery to become a place to showcase established and emerging artists from an eclectic background of styles focusing on colour, vibrancy and energy which fits in with our ethos at Pop! Doune”, concludes Emma.
Pop! Doune -
1, The Cross, Doune, Perthshire FK16 6BG
FRANCES ANDERSON
