Edinburgh Castle Royal Regiment of Scotland Commission 2020

In 2019, I was commissioned by the Royal Scottish Regiment as the Artist-in-Residence at Edinburgh Castle to create a gunpowder piece, based on the One O’clock Gun. The piece was created as part of the Regiment’s commemoration of the accession of HM Queen Elizabeth II to the Throne. 

The firing of the Castle’s famous gun, which dates back to 1861 and was originally the signal by which ships in the Firth of Forth set their Maritime clocks, continues to draw visitors from around the world visiting the Scottish capital’s celebrated landmark.

District Gunner Sgt Dave Beveridge, who has held the position for six years said:  “When Frank told us he wanted to produce an artwork based on the gun we are absolutely delighted.  I absolutely love my role and consider it a great privilege.  It’s always encouraging when others recognise the importance of the gun which is important part, not only of Scotland’s history, but of daily life in the city.”

I used gunpowder residue from the One O’clock Gun itself. By manipulating the residue into an art medium, I was able to use this to create the piece. This gun, of course, it not used for violent means and so it was an ideal focus for reinforcing my message. I hope that what I do will inspire people to think twice about the value of life and how we can all channel our energy constructively.