Glasgow exhibition showcases offenders' artwork

Koestler Trust Billy C — The Big Yin, Billy Connolly – HM Prison Greenock – highly commended award for mixed media

An exhibition featuring 180 paintings, drawings, sculptures and other artworks from Scottish prisons, secure hospitals and secure children’s homes has opened in Glasgow.

Summer All Sorts – HM Prison Edinburgh made using watercolour and gouache

Koestler Trust Summer all sorts — Summer All Sorts – HM Prison Edinburgh made using watercolour and gouache

SID – HM Prison Dumfries – highly commended award for sculpture

Koestler Trust SID — SID – HM Prison Dumfries – highly commended award for sculpture

The event, called Narrative, will take place at Tramway – 25 Albert Drive, Glasgow – from 10 November to 22 December.

Lattice Rings Ornament – HM Prison Glenochil won a silver award for woodcraft

Koestler Trust Lattice Rings — Lattice Rings Ornament – HM Prison Glenochil won a silver award for woodcraft

Sunshine on the hill – Young Offender Institution Cornton Vale won a platinum award for watercolour

Koestler Trust platinum watercolour — Sunshine on the hill – Young Offender Institution Cornton Vale won a platinum award for watercolour

What awaits me on the outside – HM Prison Shotts

Koestler Trust Shotts — What awaits me on the outside – HM Prison Shotts

Narrative consists of pieces especially selected by the author Jenni Fagan from the 1,130 Scottish entries to the annual Koestler Awards – a charitable scheme that recognises artistic achievement in the criminal justice and secure sectors.

No exit – HM Prison Glenochil won a gold award for watercolour and gouache

Koestler Trust No exit — No exit – HM Prison Glenochil won a gold award for watercolour and gouache

Martyr of Charity – HM Prison Shotts won a gold award for painting

My Journey Inside: From There to Eternity – HM Prison Edinburgh

Koestler Trust Cat — My Journey Inside: From There to Eternity – HM Prison Edinburgh

Ms Fagan said: ” The breadth of talent in this years Koestler exhibition has created a thought provoking, emotionally compelling and vibrant exhibition.”

“Narrative seeks to explore the truth of individuals, human connection, humour, loss, regret, beauty, strength and humility which can all be found amongst these pieces. It is a great testament to the possibility of rehabilitation and the vital role art can play in that process.”

Life – HM Prison & Young Offender Institution Cornton Vale (women’s establishment)

Koestler Trust Women's prison art — Life – HM Prison & Young Offender Institution Cornton Vale (women’s establishment)

Me, My Cell and I – HM Prison Dumfries won a John Oates bronze award for painting

Koestler Trust Dumfries Bronze — Me, My Cell and I – HM Prison Dumfries won a John Oates bronze award for painting

James King, Scottish prison service head of offender learning, said:”We are delighted to support the arts in custody awards by the Koestler Trust because they provide a positive channel for the talent and creative abilities of those in our care.

“The scheme helps build self-confidence, self-esteem and reveals talents that people never knew they possessed and can be a path to a more positive future.”