F A N K

FANK is an ongoing community project incorporating a public artwork within a restored and repurposed stone enclosure deep in the forest on the Isle of Mull.

The project began in 2014 with a series of dry stone walling workshops, led by rural skills trainer Peter Holmes, with the aim of rebuilding a large derelict sheepfold whilst providing the opportunity for individuals on the island to learn or rediscover rural conservation skills. In 2015 more workshops took place, including path making, hole-digging, wild printing, and ‘seed bombing’, an activity designed to support the dispersal of wildflower and grassland and to improve the biodiversity on-site.

In January 2015, artist Andrea Geile was commissioned by An Tobar and Mull Theatre to create and install 'The Chlorophylls', a permanent Corten-steel artwork within the FANK. The sculpture celebrates the collective effort in restoring this extraordinary heritage site. Geile's sculpture mirrors the architecture of the site and speaks to the natural environment in which it is located. It is a subtle intervention, merging into the landscape and drawing visitors in for closer inspection.

The FANK will continue to be used as an open-air classroom and for events, a place for the community to celebrate its landscape, heritage and creativity.

The FANK and ‘The Chlorophylls’ can be found in Lettermore Forest overlooking Loch Frisa. It is signposted approx one mile north of the village of Salen on the road to Tobermory, on the northeast coast of the island.

FANK was initiated by the artist Emma Herman-Smith.

FANK is supported by Creative Scotland, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Scotland and Mull Eagle Watch. With special thanks to the Forestry Commission and the Mull & Iona Ranger Service.