The Scottish Maritime Museum will open a captivating new exhibition of seascapes by Polish photographer and sailor Mariusz Bartosik on 3 May.
‘Scottish Maritime Impressions’, which will go on show in the Museum’s glass-roofed Victorian Linthouse building on Irvine Harbourside, captures the dramatic beauty of Scotland’s coast and celebrates the rich maritime and cultural connections between Poland and Scotland.
As both a sailor and photographer, Bartosik’s work is rooted in a deep connection with the sea. Each year, he travels from Poland to Scotland to explore and photograph the Highlands and wild coastlines, capturing the raw beauty of the Scottish seascape.
The exhibition will open with ‘Two Shores – Sea Shanty Concert’, a free afternoon of live Polish maritime music performed by the Waldek Mieczkowski Band of singing seafarers.
Both the exhibition and concert are presented under the Honorary Patronage of the Mayor of Gdańsk, Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, with support from the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Edinburgh and local sponsors.
Eva Bukowska, Exhibitions and Events Officer at the Scottish Maritime Museum, says: “We are thrilled to present Mariusz Bartosik’s photography. His photographs capture the power and beauty of Scotland’s seas seen through the eyes of someone drawn back year after year.
“We are also excited to welcome the Waldek Mieczkowski Band. Waldek, a long-time captain of the Polish Scouting Association’s training ship Zawisza Czarny, on which Bartosik has also sailed, is one of Poland’s foremost maritime and folk musicians. Together, the exhibition and concert celebrate the shared maritime spirit and traditions of our seafaring nations, as well as Scotland’s vibrant Polish community.”
Mariusz Bartosik adds: “Scotland’s seas, landscapes, climate, mountains and people have always felt close to me and the country has become central to my photographic journey. I am especially drawn to the light and how Scottish clouds cast dramatic shadows across hills and mountains, creating a raw and wild atmosphere.
“I am deeply honoured that the Scottish Maritime Museum is hosting my exhibition. Through Scottish Maritime Impressions, I hope to share my admiration and deep fascination for Scotland and its extraordinary landscapes.”
Waldek Mieczkowski reflects: “I’m delighted to perform at the opening. I have long admired Mariusz’s photography, particularly his work at sea under challenging conditions. He has a real instinct for the sea and for seizing the perfect moment. Even during storms on the Zawisza Czarny, Mariusz takes photographs that most would never attempt and, in so doing, captures the true character and atmosphere of the sea.”
EXHIBITION & EVENT INFORMATION
Scottish Maritime Impressions will run from Sunday 3 May to 9 August.
‘Two Shores – Sea Shanty Concert’ will take place at 3pm on Sunday 3 May. Tickets are FREE and include exhibition entry. Booking through Eventbrite is essential.
