In childhood, I passed its brick carcass. Subconsciously noting its strange presence with its still standing stature — an unusual phenomenon. It was as if the building knew it would return, it was not destined for demolition like many other unfortunate buildings in Falkirk. I would walk past it without much thought, it wasn’t even dead, but it was forgotten. A blank spot on the map of Falkirk.

Until the summer of 2024.

^{(A-J Reynolds reminiscing her childhood as a Falkirk Bairn)}

The doors were reopened to the public and the spirit of whisky production began, but this time, whisky isn’t the only focus. For the first time since its original conception in 1840, art has been hung on the walls with the intention of being an exhibition rather than a general hanging of artwork. Lesley Anne Derks’ cityscapes and rivers have symbiotically melded with the industrial walls throughout the reclaimed building. Her works are consistent with amberous lights glowing in the darkness, a perfect fit for the bare bones that was Rosebank’s whose light continued to glow through the years from its original closure in 1993. Now blindingly bright with both its modern and industrial flare, the distillery offers a vibrant architecture flowing with a new life devoted to its first love uisge beatha while welcoming artists into the blend.

Derks’ work not only compliments the building’s colour palette but its own history as an industry as well. Two pieces found within the breathy upper floor foyer are highlighted for their subject matter’s location. During its original trading years, it shipped its whisky all the way to Australia, proving a remarkable relationship between the wee toun of Falkirk with Brisbane, Australia. Seeing how Derks’ art unintentionally delineates Rosebank’s heritage proves how beneficial art is to the space. Adding flourishes of colour and embellishments to another craft.

We wonder about alternative arts spaces, and how this mixture can be beneficial to both crafts. Who better to inform us, than the artist herself.

“Rosebank stands out as an exceptional alternative art space, offering generous dimensions that beautifully accommodate large-scale works. The harmonious blend of historic architecture with modern interiors creates a sophisticated showcase for art, while the exposed brickwork provides a visually striking backdrop. The space’s varied layout—rooms, corridors, and staircases—invites viewers to experience each piece from a fresh perspective. Particularly striking is the expansive glass façade, which bathes the main space in natural light, enhancing the vibrancy and detail of artwork on display.”

The artist reveals herself through these words, her work that focuses on spaces through the architectural lens, how light shapes and reshapes an environment. The Sol-like glow of her streetlamps is reminiscent of the golden spirit glimmering in its glencairn receptacle. The structures are teeming with life even if not a soul can be seen just like the state of the Rosebank building between 1993 and 2017; quietly awaiting its reawakening and retaking of its title as the King of the Lowlands once more.

We’d like to thank Rosebank for inviting us to write a piece on this incredible space and beloved Falkirk-based artist, Lesley Anne Derks. A special thank you to our friend Renata for approaching us, this was a great experience.

The exhibition’s original running time ended on 31st of August but has been given an extension. If it’s still on display, you need to book a tour around the distillery as her work is darted across the building.

For more information on their tours, please visit Rosebank’s website through this link.