Deus at the Dean
Stained glass window of Saint Andrew
Deus at the Dean is an exhibition of art inspired by the Dean Castle and its collection of historical objects.
This art was created out of a desire to connect with biblical stories through the lens of the Castle. The exhibition engages with scriptures in a way which showcases the Dean Castle, resonating with some of its history, architecture, and aesthetic .
The works illustrate some of the narratives of important biblical figures and events, and are illustrative or pattern-based in nature. Many of the works take a synoptic form, where key moments are shown together in one image and arranged in a decorative way. This approach is inspired by earlier styles of Christian iconography and the visual story-telling techniques of illuminated manuscripts.
Several of the pieces on display connect with a particular aspect of the castle and the artefacts contained therein, including the Saint Andrew stained glass window and the large biblical tapestries displayed in the Keep.
The Dean Castle in Kilmarnock, Scotland, houses an incredible selection of medieval and early modern objects. Of course, many of these have a biblical theme - these became the inspiration for the artwork that would make up Deus at the Dean
Some of the objects found in the castle which directly inspired my artwork. Images sourced from futuremuseum.co.uk, or property of the artist
Click on the artworks below to read about my approach to telling these stories, and to find out about the process behind the work
My creation of this collection was a small part of a bigger process in which I have learned more about the bible, its stories, and its spiritual meaning. The creation of imagery has always been a way for me to wrap my head around ideas. Using the castle as a starting point helped this learning experience feel more tangible. The ideas I express are based on my own research of the last few years, and are the ideas of an artist and individual, not a theologian, nor a member of any specific denomination.
[Each artwork also comes with learning resources which are designed for younger readers, encouraging engagement with the art, the bible stories, and the artefacts held inside the castle. These are free to access and can be printed by anyone who wants them for their group, class, club, or family]
14th November 2026 - 6th March 2027
Dean Castle, KILMARNOCK, Scotland
