Exploring Scotland’s Past Through Art: Billy Gérard Frank at Paxton House
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as this is a seated event with optional walking around historic house and grounds.
Overview
Join multimedia artist Billy Gérard Frank at Paxton House in Berwick-upon-Tweed for a captivating conversation blending art and history. Discover Scotland’s past through film, poetry, and engaging performances that bring new perspectives to local heritage.
Billy Gérard Frank: In conversation with artists and historians
Hear first-hand from the artists interpreting Scotland’s past through film, multimedia, poetry, pain
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About This Adventure
Join acclaimed multimedia artist Billy Gérard Frank at Paxton House for an engaging conversation on contemporary art and historical interpretation. Experience a captivating performance by Leilani Taneus-Williams, followed by a panel discussion featuring notable artists and historians, all while exploring Scotland's rich past through diverse artistic expressions.
Join internationally renowned multimedia artist Billy Gérard Frank at Paxton House for a stimulating and thought provoking in conversation event focusing on contemporary artists working with and interpreting historic collections, buildings, and historical legacies.
Hear firsthand about the stories, emotions, and creative process behind Palimpsest, Frank’s powerful exhibition at Paxton House (until 31 October 2025), and the work of Scottish-based artists interpreting Scotland’s past through poetry, paint, spoken word, and music.
Frank will be joined by creative writer and performance artist Leilani Taneus-Williams, painter Tilda Williams-Kelly, artist and historian Dr Charles Fletcher, and Paxton's Curator, Dr Fiona Salvesen Murrell. The event will commence with a special performance by Leilani accompanied by cellist, Beau Taneus-Miller, in the historic rooms of Paxton House, and will be followed by the panel discussion.
This event will be Chaired by Dr Jennifer Melville, Head of Exhibitions and Creative Projects for The National Trust for Scotland, who led the 'Facing our Past' project examining the legacies of slavery in Scotland that are linked to NTS properties and collections.
Make a day of it with our pre-event suggestions!
11.15am Paxton House Tour – please pre-book via this link Visit – Paxton House
Our tea-room will be open 11-3pm for coffee, cake, and lunch.
Explore our Caribbean Connections exhibition (free) prior to the in-conversation event. This includes three short films created by our partners in Grenada, Scotland, and England.
Adventure Tips
Engage Actively
Come prepared to participate and listen; this is a dynamic conversation rather than a passive exhibit.
Plan for Weather
Paxton House gardens are worth exploring before or after the event—dress accordingly for outdoor conditions.
Arrive Early
Give yourself time to tour Paxton House’s collection and grounds to enrich your experience of the performance and discussion.
Accessibility Check
Contact Paxton House ahead to confirm accessibility accommodations for indoor events and grounds.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Red squirrels
- Buzzards
History
Paxton House was constructed in the 18th century and served as the principal seat of the influential Paxton family in Berwickshire.
Conservation
Paxton House works closely with local conservation groups to protect the estate’s historic landscape and supports sustainable visitor practices.
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Adventure Hotspots in Berwick-upon-Tweed
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Layered Clothing
The Scottish Borders can be cool and changeable; layering ensures comfort indoors and outdoors.
Notebook and Pen
Ideal for jotting down insights from the conversation and performance.
Camera or Smartphone
Capture the historic estate and scenic surroundings before or after the session.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
The estate grounds and nearby paths invite gentle exploration before or after the event.