Andrew Hillhouse

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Andrew Hillhouse   

Born in April 1964, Andrew qualified as an architectural technician twenty years later. Whilst working for various architectural private practices, local authorities and government bodies, he learned to produce highly detailed architectural drawings, perspectives and presentation work, ultimately “ghosting” for Edinburgh’s top perspective artists. Currently, he has worked as a technician at the Edinburgh College of Art for over twenty years. Through all this, and whilst playing guitar in various rock/blues bands, he has always made time to indulge in two of his many hobbies; art and Scottish history. Fascinated since youth by epic tales of Scottish heroes, Andrew finally combined his interest in historical research with his experience in the production of detailed architectural drafting to produce authentic period reconstructions of individuals, events, equipment and landscapes.

His early images of William Wallace were initially used to promote the activities of some charitable Trusts. More recently, they have graced the covers of books, magazines, CD and DVD covers. Some have appeared on television documentaries and news items and his “Execution of Wallace” piece was featured in a documentary included on the US Sapphire Series Blu-Ray release of “Braveheart”. Three of his reconstructions of the Wallace period are on permanent display at the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum and a further two pieces were incorporated into their "Bannockburn 2014" exhibition. Some of his work began to appear on various internet sites and helped to raise the awareness and preservation of historical sites in Scotland. This exposure led to further book illustration work, covering a range of eras and he briefly became the official artist to Jonah Lomu, the New Zealand “All Black” rugby legend.

Andrew worked with the late Scottish author and historian David Ross who encouraged him to continue with his work at a time when he had lost all confidence in it. He used many of his pieces as cover and internal illustrations for his books on Scottish history. This new found confidence led to him giving public talks on research and art production related to the Scottish Wars of Independence. He subsequently produced many pieces for the Society of William Wallace, including a design for a memorial to Wallace which has recently been granted planning permission in Glasgow. Andrew was honoured to be invited by the First Minister of Scotland to Stirling Castle to commemorate the 700th anniversary of the death of Sir William Wallace in recognition of this work.

More recently, he has been commissioned by the Battle of Prestonpans 1745 Heritage Trust to paint several large images of the said battle. Having grown up in Prestonpans, he was delighted to have produced these pieces, the main purpose of which was to attempt to raise local awareness of some of the lesser known aspects of the battle, the first major encounter of the 1745 uprising.

Andrew does not consider himself a real artist; "I’m still just a guy who likes to doodle in his spare time".

Over the years, Andrew has often been urged to organise and sell prints but has, somehow, never managed to get round to it, til now!

The Douglas Archives recommends a visit to Andrew Hillhouse's website, where prints can be purchased.

http://www.andrewhillhouseprints.co.uk

Andy died on Sunday, 15th April 2018, leaving his wife, Vicky and son, Gus.



Book cover by Andrew Hillhouse




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Last modified: Monday, 25 March 2024