Art Funded by you

1) Two Temples: To Apollo His Music-His Missiles-His Muses; 2) Sails CN16

Ian Hamilton Finlay, 1996

Ian Hamilton Finlay is one of the major figures of 20th century Scottish art. He is best known for Little Sparta, his garden in Lanarkshire. These two stone pieces have clear and explicit relationships to Little Sparta, his interest in classical mythology and his passion for the sea and ships. The first sculpture consists of two narrow slate drums. One is carved with the same wording on the Garden Temple at Little Sparta, while the other is engraved with hieroglyphs representing the attributes of the god of gardens, culture, music and war. The second is a stone slab carved with the suggestion of a fishing boat and contains the irony of such a fleet-looking vessel being represented in the weightiest of materials. These are the first three-dimensional pieces by the artist to enter the collection.

More information

Title of artwork, date

1) Two Temples: To Apollo His Music-His Missiles-His Muses; 2) Sails CN16, 1996

Date supported

2010

Medium and material

1) slate; 2) stone

Dimensions

1) 25 x 15.5 cm; 2) 37 x 55 x 10 cm

Grant

20000

Total cost

64000

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

Art Funded by you FAQs

Why is this object record marked 'archive'?
Where can I see this work of art? Is it on display?
What is Art Fund's purpose?
How is Art Fund funded?
What type of funding do you offer?
What does the acquisition grants programme support and who can apply?
How many works of art has Art Fund helped museums to acquire?
I’m a curator/researcher/arts professional and would like to find out more about this work, how do I get in touch?
I’m a journalist and would like to contact Art Fund about this work, how do I get in touch?
I would like to donate a work of art to a museum. What do I need to do?
I'd like to leave a gift to Art Fund in my will. How can I do this?

Contact us

If you have a question about a work of art in our archive, please contact the Programmes team. We’ll be happy to answer your enquiry.