THE DICK INSTITUTE
Brian the Lion, Malky McCormick and an Excellent Empire Biscuit
Chris Palmer
Who is Dick? I asked a large number of people who one might possibly describe as ‘local and well-educated’. Not a single helpful reply. A few unhelpful ones, but I’ll draw a line under them.
‘The Dick’, as it appears to be universally known in Kilmarnock, was the gift to the town of James Dick (1823-1902), a wealthy businessman who pioneered the use of rubber soles on shoes. The Institute was named for his older brother, Robert (1820-91). Located a short distance from the town centre, it was completed in 1901.
It always helps to arrive at a new destination on a sunny day. Mid-January, mid-morning, bright and sunny, my first impression of The Dick was enhanced by the weather. I challenge anyone, however, not to be impressed by its classical 15-bay frontage dominated by a figure of Minerva, the goddess of wisdom. It has a wow factor that continues when you venture inside.
I had the advantage of a guided tour from Lyndsay Jess, the Museum’s Development Officer for East Ayrshire Leisure Trust. On this sunny day, I was given a warm welcome by Lyndsay whose pride in The Dick was evident from the start of our conversation. I heard that it is the largest museum and gallery space in Ayrshire.
“Did you know that The Dick is older than Kelvingrove?”
Suitably impressed, I set out on a tour with my informed guide. The Dick comprises various distinct elements. Firstly, on the ground floor it houses the lending, reference, audio-visual and children’s libraries. These are spacious and evidently well-stocked. Secondly, there is a lecture room/event space. On the morning of my visit, it was being used with verve and enthusiasm by an iDance group. The Main Gallery is the prime site on the ground floor. It hosts world-class touring exhibitions and considers itself to be the finest municipal gallery in Scotland.
On this particular day, it was being prepared for the eagerly anticipated Malky McCormick exhibition. In fact, one might say that The Dick has almost become ‘The Malky’ at the moment.
If you don’t recognise the name (as I admit I didn’t) you will probably recognise his cartoons that stretch back to the 1970s. He had a very distinct style, using both very thick and thin black lines. I encountered him, many years ago, in his famous cartoon strip in The Sunday Mail featuring The Big Yin. At the time, Billy Connolly was achieving huge fame and the cartoon was just brilliant, capturing his unique patter and appearance. The Dick has acquired Malky’s whole body of work and is busy cataloguing thousands of items from his very early years. Open from early February, the full exhibition is not to be missed.
“Did you know that The Dick is older than Kelvingrove?”
Suitably impressed, I set out on a tour with my informed guide. The Dick comprises various distinct elements. Firstly, on the ground floor it houses the lending, reference, audio-visual and children’s libraries. These are spacious and evidently well-stocked. Secondly, there is a lecture room/event space. On the morning of my visit, it was being used with verve and enthusiasm by an iDance group. The Main Gallery is the prime site on the ground floor. It hosts world-class touring exhibitions and considers itself to be the finest municipal gallery in Scotland.
On this particular day, it was being prepared for the eagerly anticipated Malky McCormick exhibition. In fact, one might say that The Dick has almost become ‘The Malky’ at the moment.
If you don’t recognise the name (as I admit I didn’t) you will probably recognise his cartoons that stretch back to the 1970s. He had a very distinct style, using both very thick and thin black lines. I encountered him, many years ago, in his famous cartoon strip in The Sunday Mail featuring The Big Yin. At the time, Billy Connolly was achieving huge fame and the cartoon was just brilliant, capturing his unique patter and appearance. The Dick has acquired Malky’s whole body of work and is busy cataloguing thousands of items from his very early years. Open from early February, the full exhibition is not to be missed.
Finally on the ground floor, the young Person’s Gallery has also been taken over by the cartoon world, inspired by Malky. Last year, every Saturday morning, 30 children attended a class to learn how to draw caricatures. The classes lasted for eight weeks. Assisted by professional cartoonists and The Scottish Art Studio this remarkable and enterprising project has been a great success.
The result is on the walls of the gallery – a riot of colour and fun as the children drew their celebrity caricatures. The inspiration of Malky is evident. The caricatures include Taylor Swift, Tom Cruise, Marilyn Monroe and, inevitably, Donald Trump.
Climbing the impressive oak and marble staircase, the first floor is divided into The North and The South Museum. The North section is dominated by Malky as there is what amounts to a taster for the main exhibition. A visitor can see, for example, original cartoons as well as his suit, in Kilmarnock strip colours for the 1997 Cup Final. He was a fervent fan. (Yes, they won).
The natural science section is dominated by the huge jaw bones of a Fin Whale and Brian the Lion, a distinctive taxidermy feature, a firm favourite of visiting children. He enjoyed his 111th birthday last August. His mane has faded slightly over the last century, but he still looks a fearsome sight.
The South Museum houses exhibitions that illustrate the industries that have helped Kilmarnock and Ayrshire grow and prosper over the last two or three centuries. These include heavy industries such as coal and ironstone. I learned that the first railway in Scotland was built to carry coal from the pits around Kilmarnock to shipping at Troon.
Johnnie Walker & Sons also features prominently. Visitors can trace the growth of the whisky company from a shop near Kilmarnock Cross to a huge global brand, possibly the most famous whisky in the world.
Johnnie competes with Rabbie for prominence here. Beside the whisky company’s exhibition is a Burns display including an original Kilmarnock Edition of his work – the first book of poetry by our national poet, published in 1786.
The South Museum also reflects the sacrifices made by local people in both world wars. There are poignant photographs and memorabilia from the conflicts that took so many Ayrshire lives.
The Dick also has a substantial and significant art collection. It includes works from artists such as Sir Henry Raeburn, Alexander Nasmyth, E.A. Hornel and Peter Howson.
Lyndsay is a busy lady. Funding for an organisation such as The Dick, in an era of purse tightening in both local and national budgets for the arts, requires stamina and imagination. I wished her success, and then felt the need for refreshment. Within the lending library there is a sizeable cafeteria. Though I was watching my weight, the display of cakes and biscuits proved to be irresistible. The empire biscuit that I chose proved to be one of the best that I’ve eaten in many years – a generous amount of both jam and icing. Yum! One of the many reasons, including Brian and Malky, for spending at least a couple of hours in this East Ayrshire cultural jewel. There is something for everyone.
