The Legacy of George Wyllie: A Museum Dedicated to the Social Sculptor
George Wyllie, a renowned self-taught “social sculptor” known for his unique and thought-provoking artworks, is set to receive a posthumous honor like no other. More than a decade after his passing in 2012, Wyllie will have a museum built to showcase his work, placing him in the esteemed company of UK sculptors such as Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth.
Wyllie, who used a variety of materials including steel, stone, wood, and paper, was famous for his unconventional and humorous approach to addressing serious issues such as the climate crisis, capitalism, and industrial decline. One of his most iconic works involved sailing a paper boat down the Clyde in 1989 and later taking it to New York’s World Financial Center in 1990, paying homage to Glasgow’s lost shipbuilding skills.
In addition to his paper boat escapade, Wyllie also created a straw locomotive replica in 1987, which he set on fire over the Clyde as a symbol of Glasgow’s engineering heritage. Inside the burning structure was a single question mark, adding a layer of mystery and intrigue to his work.
The upcoming museum, named The Wyllieum, is set to open on April 26 on the banks of the Clyde in Greenock, where Wyllie lived and worked. The museum will feature an inaugural exhibition of his spires, delicate steel constructions that were often placed outdoors to interact with the elements.
Wyllie’s work was heavily influenced by his contemporaries such as Joseph Beuys and George Rickey, as well as the arte povera movement of the 1960s. His sculptures were described as nomadic pieces that could be erected anywhere, reflecting his innovative and forward-thinking approach to art.
The museum’s director, Will Cooper, praised Wyllie for his prophetic vision, noting that it took the world decades to catch up to his critiques of colonialism and environmental degradation. The museum’s location near the Customs House, where Wyllie worked as a customs officer, adds a personal touch to the collection, connecting it to the artist’s life and legacy.
As the museum prepares to open its doors, local residents have already begun sharing their stories of Wyllie’s impact on the community, highlighting his generosity and passion for making the world a better place. With his unique and thought-provoking artworks on display, George Wyllie’s legacy is set to inspire and provoke visitors for years to come.