Port Ellen has marked its 200th anniversary with the unveiling of a striking piece of artwork that looks as if it will stand at the distillery for at least another two centuries.
Ini Archibong, an artist and sculptor renowned for his work with glass, was commissioned to create his own interpretation of Port Ellen’s mantra, Atlas of Smoke, and that vision has translated into a seven-and-a-half-foot block of glass. Within that glass, luminous pieces appear to rise like smoke.
The artist was keen to underline how he was inspired by the entire island of Islay when creating his latest piece, saying: “This piece is very important to me, not just because it’s the largest piece of glass I’ve ever made, but because when I can go to a place, meet the people, learn what they value and what’s special, and feel the connection they have to their soil and their community, translating that into an object is always meaningful.
“It’s rare that I get to create something that is a part of me and how I see the world but also directly connected to a people and a culture I didn’t know before I had the chance to connect to. This piece isn’t just an ode to Port Ellen from me. It’s a representation of me meeting the people of Islay and Port Ellen.”
It’s the final initiative to come from Port Ellen’s landmark year, following the brilliant limited-edition porter created in collaboration with Guinness Open Gate Brewery, the Port Ellen 200th Anniversary Edition whisky, and the Port Ellen Prism donated to the Distillers One of One auction, which sold for £375,000 ($500,000).
Only Archibong’s contribution will have a permanent place at the distillery, however, where it’s already taken up residence to form part of a new dedicated experience. The 200th Anniversary Experience includes four expressions of Port Ellen, including the latest edition, a distillery tour, and a viewing of Archibong’s work.
Port Ellen is accessible by appointment only, with tours starting from £250 per person. It also hosts free open days once per month, which must be booked in advance.
The 200th Anniversary Experience is £450 ($600) per person, malts.com
