Old Grain. New Eyes.
Art Exhibition Inspired by Barony Mill, Bere, and Milling
Throughout September 2026 | Barony Mill, Birsay
Details
Dedicated exhibition viewing: 9am – 11am daily, with free entry.
Mill tours: From 11am
Exhibition access also available to visitors taking a mill tour.
For September only, shown inside the working Mill that inspired it.
Inspired by the Mill
Barony Mill has been grinding bere in Birsay for generations. This September, it becomes the subject as well as the setting for a new exhibition bringing together work by artists inspired by the Mill, its history, its machinery, and the ancient grain at the heart of it all.
Artists from across Orkney have responded to the machinery and rhythm of milling, the bere and landscape, the building and its atmosphere, and the generations of people connected with the Mill. The result is a collection of different interpretations of the same remarkable place.
For one month only, the work returns to where it began and the finished art will be show within the Mill itself – surrounded by the place that inspired it.
The mill is more accustomed to flour than fine art, but we think the two sit rather well together.
Participating Artists
The exhibition brings together work from:
Catherine Ann
Cindy Campbell
Helen Galland
Ingrid Grieve
Jane Glue
Kenneth Woolfrey
Kevin Gauld
Liz Rickard
Michael Sinclair
Rosalind Johansson
Ruth Tait
Sheila Fleet
Thomas Foreman
Working across different mediums, styles and disciplines, each artist has approached Barony Mill from their own perspective. The exhibition includes a wide range of media, including oil painting, glass, pottery, textile art, stone carving and handcrafted furniture.
Plan Your Visit
Exhibition Dates
1st – 30th September 2026
Dedicated Exhibition Viewing
9am – 11am daily | free entry.
Visitors taking one of our Mill tours will also have the opportunity to see the exhibition as part of their visit.
On a small number of mornings we may have a pre-booked Mill tour before 11am. If this overlaps with your visit, there may be a short wait before the upper floor can be accessed.
Accessibility
Barony Mill is a historic working building and access to the exhibition involves stairs to the middle and upper floors. The exhibition is therefore not suitable for visitors who are unable to manage stairs safely. If you would like to discuss access before visiting, please contact us.
Artwork and the Mill Shop
Some original works in the exhibition will be available to purchase. Where a piece is for sale, details will be available with the artwork and we can put interested buyers directly in touch with the artist.
A small selection of prints, cards and other pieces from participating artist will also be available in the Mill shop throughout September.
While you are there, you can also browse our usual range of beremeal, oatmeal, baked goods and gifts.
See the Mill Working
Most historic sites are silent. This one rumbles.
The exhibition has grown out of the Mill itself, so seeing the machinery in action adds another layer to the experience.
Our guided tours run from 11am throughout the day, taking visitors through the working Mill to discover its machinery, history, and the unique story of bere.
