Glasgow is a maze of side streets and hidden gems – and the Virginia Gallery is a real find.
Under the exotic boutique Luke & Jack the 18+ venue specialises in and celebrates erotic art. But if you’re thinking smut – don’t be so prudish.
This wonderful little gallery showcases intriguing and interesting works that other galleries might shy away from – and has thankfully taken root and flourished.
Regal, raunchy, wonderful queens
Whatever you think about Queen Elizabeth II, Virginia’s latest exhibit 60 years, 60 Artists is definitely worth a look. It showcases the talents and interpretations of 60 artists for the Queen’s 60 year reign. Themed on ‘queen’ in all its many facets – works are daring and dynamic. Some like the much-hyped crowned nude porn star Le Majestié d’Issac Jones stirs obvious controversy – but there’s others that create a much deeper impression.
A stitch in time for Queen Quentin
The queen theme has inspired a variety of eclectic images of the flamboyant writer Quentin Crisp, portrayed with flair and depth in cross-stitch by artist Julie Robertson – icecream delight without a single calorie.
Another favourite is artist Yiannis Roussakis’ life size image of a regal Edwardian looking Queen (history’s not my strong point) in a London Underground tunnel for the Jubilee Line. The contrast between the two worlds is truly memorable – a perfect fusion of the Matrix and Doctor Who.
Go on, be amused
This imaginative and inspiring exhibition looks at queens from a variety of thought provoking angles – some that just might make you smile. On until the 30 June, it’s is not to be missed.
The Virginia Gallery is a wonderful space with an ever growing programme of events. I can’t wait to see what they’ll have in store for the Merchant City Festival and Glasgay. Watch that space.
– B
About a City 
OOh! Thank you for the gorgeous write up especially regarding my piece. It was fun creating Quentin.
We loved it and will pop in again before it finishes up at the end of June. So much to discover and admire.