Queen Margaret University unveils new public artwork

The sculpture, now a permanent feature on campus, was revealed at Queen Margaret University (QMU) in Musselburgh as part of its 150th anniversary celebrations.

Created by Musselburgh-based artist Martha Ellis, the piece was commissioned to capture the people, stories and spirit of QMU.

Ms Ellis said: “It’s been an exciting challenge to create an artwork that represents the unique character of Queen Margaret University.

“I wanted to capture the people and spirit of QMU – past, present and future.

“Through in-depth research, participation in local events and meaningful engagement with the community, I discovered the many inspiring stories and vibrant personalities that define the university.

“I’ve woven these together to create a piece that I hope will resonate with viewers, inviting them to see themselves, or someone they know, reflected in its characters.

“Seeing the raw and real reactions at the unveiling made me feel like I’ve more than achieved my aim.

“It’s been so rewarding seeing this project come together over the last year.

“My hope is that it sparks curiosity, conversation and a sense of belonging for everyone who sees it.”

The new public art installation at Queen Margaret University (Image: Queen Margaret University) The installation was made possible through donations from the QMU community and now stands as a permanent addition to the campus.

The vision for a commemorative piece first emerged three years ago and led to a public competition, attracting a wide range of submissions.

The final concept, selected by a committee of staff and students, stood out for its ability to reflect the inclusive and collaborative spirit of the university.

Sir Paul Grice, principal of QMU, said: “One of the things that Queen Margaret University really prides itself on is its sense of community.

“And it is this strong sense of community and belonging which many people say sets us apart from other universities.

“As we approached our 150th anniversary celebrations, we decided that we wanted to create something on campus – a physical embodiment of the institution that represents what QMU stands for.

“This artwork provides an opportunity to reflect on the rich tapestry of people, stories and experiences that have shaped QMU over the years.

“It is a testament to the power of collaboration and to the deep connections we share as a university.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Martha for her extraordinary vision and talent, to everyone who contributed to this project, and to our donors, whose generosity made it possible.

“Together, you’ve helped create a piece of art that will not only celebrate our heritage but will also serve as a lasting symbol of QMU’s commitment to creativity, innovation and community.”

The unveiling ceremony, held on August 28, brought together staff, students, donors and university supporters.

The event featured a drinks reception at the recently refurbished learning resource centre, an exhibition of Ms Ellis’s laser-cut drawings and a short film documenting the development of the artwork.

The installation is part of the QMU150 programme, a wider series of activities and events marking the university’s 150 years of history, impact and growth.