Shotgun Wedding

A video installation and publication that explore the Union of 1707 between Scotland and England, and its contemporary ramifications.

The video installation and publication Shotgun Wedding explore the Union of 1707 between Scotland and England and engage the various conflicts that run through the history of Scotland and Britain.

Material of varied cultural standing, such as artworks, artefacts, photographs and documents from the collections of the Scottish National Galleries, Edinburgh, the Atlas Van Stolk, Museum Rotterdam and a range of other sources was reproduced through video to create six different filmic juxtapositions. Close-up filming of the artworks and artefacts explored hidden narratives and emphasised the pictorial and the visual qualities of the objects rather than their historical and political status.

During the research and development stage of this project Tracy & Edwin collaborated with Christopher A. Whatley, Professor of Scottish History at the University of Dundee, Scotland. Whatley’s book ‘The Scots and the Union’ (Edinburgh University Press, 2006) informed their understanding of the subject matter.

Supported by the National Lottery through the Scottish Arts Council, the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland and Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design Research, University of Dundee.