The Utopia Group (Deng Dafei and He Hai) from China took us on an exciting journey, unearthing the legacy of James Legge (1815-1897), Huntly born Sinologist and translator of major works (Confucius, I Ching, Chinese Classics) into English from Chinese.

Huntly is the place of James Legge’s childhood. He lived in a wee house at the Square (corner of Duke Street), which was later replaced by the house that you now see on the Square (Peterkin’s Agency). Deveron Arts has currently rented the second and top floor of the house, if you would like to visit the premises please feel free and give us a quick ring.

During his lifetime, James Legge came back to visit Huntly and his family from his various travels to China. In 1840 the trainline from Aberdeen to Inverness was built, which it much easier for Legge to return to Huntly. At one time Legge returned with three Chinese students who were christened in Huntly and went to school here. At that time, Legge preached at the Congregational Church, now the Sinclair Bakery on Old Road.

The Artists developed a methodology based on the idea of ‘seeking the subject’. Focusing on the themes of community, historical and cultural landscape, they used the context of a residency to help investigate and express their cultural understanding.

The artists produced a series of large scale drawings depicting the life and ear of James Legge; these were displayed in an exhibition held at the James Legge house on the Square. The residency culminated in a town parade where the community of Huntly, old and young came out to join us in a Chinese-Scottish mourning procession. To end the day we had a tea and discussion session followed by a ceilidh, both held at the local Gordon Arms Hotel to celebrate the life and work of our great Sinologist.