Andy Warhol work to go on display at Holyrood

Andy Warhol: Pop, Power and Politics runs from October 5 to November 3. Picture: AP

Andy Warhol: Pop, Power and Politics runs from October 5 to November 3 and features portraits of Lenin, Mao, the Queen and Andrew Carnegie.

The exhibition is the result of a collaboration between the Scottish Parliament, Carnegie UK Trust and The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, US.

Holyrood Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick said: “This is the first politically-curated exhibition of Andy Warhol’s work and the first time his works have ever been shown in a legislature, and so represents a real coup for the Scottish Parliament.

“The Scottish Parliament is not just a place for politicians. Our building is home to many events and exhibitions that get people talking and thinking about issues that matter to them.

“This unique exhibition will offer people the chance to explore the role of power and politics within the home of debate in Scotland, and I am grateful to the Carnegie UK Trust and The Andy Warhol Museum for making it possible.”

Festival

It has been timed to coincide with Andrew Carnegie’s International Legacy: Shaping the Future festival, which celebrates the centenary of the formation of the Carnegie UK Trust.

Angus Hogg, chair of the Carnegie UK Trust, said: “What many don’t realise is that Andy Warhol received his first formal training in art through free classes offered by the Carnegie Institute in Pittsburgh.

“His artwork is now celebrated across the globe and so it is very special that we are able to honour such a great artist as part of the Andrew Carnegie’s International Legacy festival, which will include the celebration of opportunity and culture, with this exhibition.”

Eric Shiner, director of The Andy Warhol Museum, said: “The Warhol is thrilled to share many truly exceptional works from our collection with Scotland and Carnegie UK Trust. The items we’ve selected represent the full scope of Andy Warhol’s life and art.

“This exhibition features Warhol paintings, sculptures, prints and archival documents from our permanent collection, and allows visitors to the stunning Parliament building to have the opportunity to see many top-rate original Warhols.

“In addition, we’re pleased to once again unite Pittsburgh and Scotland through the very rare display of Warhol’s Andrew Carnegie portrait.”