How a New Town Gained Identity: Public Art in Glenrothes and How It Has Come to Embody the Term ‘genius Loci’

Abstract

This dissertation aims to answer the questions of how the Scottish New Town of Glenrothes came to be, and why the public artwork within it has played an integral role in creating an identity for the town. This research is important as it fills a gap in current academic knowledge as to how public art was accepted within New Town communities, and the techniques that aided this. I will answer these questions by analyzing the history behind the Scottish New Towns and how the public art within Glenrothes was created in such a way, that it has become integral to the town and its community. I will examine the role of the Town Artist and dive into David Hardings working methods, to uncover how these artworks became accepted within the community. Finally, I propose that the public art within Glenrothes has become the ‘Genius Loci’ of the town, through examining all of the points mentioned previously. This paper emphasizes the significant role public art can play in the town or city it is placed within and the impact it can have on those communities. I will conclude this paper by emphasizing the importance of preserving the artworks within Glenrothes so we can continue to learn from them and the benefits of public art in the future.