A well-known local business has teamed up with an artist on a new commission for Christmas.
As part of its ‘Firsthand’ campaign, Benromach’s single malt celebrates all things handmade – their new collaboration with paper artist, Helen Musselwhite, has resulted in her sculpture themed around the distillery and its whiskies.
Distillery manager, Keith Cruickshank, Benromach, is thrilled with her work.
He explained: “It was wonderful to welcome Helen to the distillery to share our story and process, and explore areas where our worlds overlap. Both processes require a deep understanding of the layers, tools and complexities that go into creating something unique.”
Helen was able to experience the whisky making process first hand, taking inspiration from the award-winning flavour profile of the Benromach 15 Year Old single malt and the distillery’s traditional process.
The resulting 3D sculpture, standing at almost one metre high, was created by a series of cuts, folds, scores and layers of various types of paper to create an intricate view of the distillery and its whiskies.
It celebrates the values of care, skill, passion and patience shared by Helen and the distillery.
“The level of detail in Helen’s finished sculpture is remarkable,” said Keith. “It’s a unique work of art guaranteed to intrigue and delight in equal measure. It’s the perfect illustration of the beauty of handmade things.”
Helen has honed her craft over 16 years and worked with brands including Royal Mail, Molton Brown and Hoegaarden.
She said: “My visit to Speyside and Benromach provided the ideal inspiration. I was struck by the age-old traditions employed in the whisky-making process and the passion and expertise of those who work there.
“The beautiful surroundings, aroma and taste of the whiskies also helped to shape my design.”
She added: “There are natural synergies between their craft and mine. Both take care, pay attention to detail and take time to make something worth waiting for – although my process is thankfully not quite as long!
“It took me around a month to make my paper sculpture, from initial sketches and a basic scale model through to the final piece. I got lost in the details which is always my favourite part, from the individual peppercorns to the roof tiles on the distillery roof.”
Window displays of the design can currently be viewed at Jeffrey St Whiskies in Edinburgh, and at Amathus City and Amathus Shoreditch in London.
Visitors will be able to see Helen’s work at the Benromach Distillery’s visitor centre from January.
Visitors who purchase Benromach whisky at the distillery shop or website or at any of the retailers with window displays will receive a gift bag detailing Helen’s design, as well as a specially printed Christmas card.
For more information, visit https://www.benromach.com.