Sponsored by W&AS Bruce

An interactive celebration of Dunfermline’s past and present – through art, photography, and stories…

Every so often, a story comes along that reminds us why heritage, care and connection matter – not just in art, but in life.

At W&AS Bruce, we’re proud to support local artist Charlie Marshall and his exhibition A Journey Through Dunfermline at the Carnegie Library & Galleries. This remarkable three-year project celebrates the city’s history, resilience and community spirit – qualities that also reflect how we work with our clients and families, supporting them through life’s chapters and across generations.

Charlie’s journey – from car crash to canvas – is one of strength, creativity and rediscovery. His paintings capture the essence of Dunfermline’s story, blending past and present in a way that speaks to continuity, belonging and pride of place.

We’re honoured to play a small part in helping share that story.

Visit the exhibition at the Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries to experience it for yourself and find out more about Charlie, the exhibition and all the other activities attached to this exhibition, below…

About the Artist – Charlie Marshall - From Car Crash to Canvas

Born in Armadale, West Lothian, in 1959, Charlie Marshall grew up in a small mining village where creativity came naturally. From an early age, he loved to draw - often sketching on whatever paper he could find. For 37 years, he worked as an industrial painter on major projects, including the Forth Road Bridge and the Forth Railway Bridge.

In 2013, Charlie’s life changed dramatically when a serious car accident forced him to retire early. Left with lasting nerve damage and pain, he turned to art as a form of therapy and rediscovery. What began as part of his recovery soon reignited a lifelong passion. He began studying art seriously - first through local classes at Queen Margaret Hospital, and later under the mentorship of a living master artist, John Pototschnik, based in Dallas, during the pandemic.

Working in oils with a limited palette of just red, yellow, blue and white, Charlie’s paintings are detailed, layered and full of atmosphere - often taking months to complete. Today, he not only paints but also teaches several art classes across Dunfermline, helping others find the same sense of joy, focus and healing that art brought to him.

About the Artist – Charlie Marshall - From Car Crash to Canvas

About the Exhibition – A Journey Through Dunfermline

“A Journey Through Dunfermline” is an exhibition by local artist Charlie Marshall, celebrating the architecture, history, and enduring character of Scotland’s ancient capital.

Created over three years, this remarkable collection takes visitors through Dunfermline’s story - from the splendour of the Abbey and Palace Ruins to the familiar warmth of Bridge Street and the proud City Chambers. Each oil painting is rich in colour and detail, reflecting Charlie’s deep affection for the place he now calls home.

For Charlie, this exhibition is much more than an artistic milestone. It marks a deeply personal journey — from loss and recovery to purpose and pride. Exhibiting in the Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries is the realisation of a dream, and a heartfelt tribute to the city, its heritage, and the healing power of art.

FIND OUT MORE ON THE ONFIFE SITE...

Download our free Family Fun Trail!

Explore Dunfermline’s fascinating past through this fun interactive trail, inspired by Charlie Marshall’s exhibition A Journey Through Dunfermline.

Discover stories of kings, legends and look around Dunfermline in a way you may not have before - as you follow the clues around the historic quarter - perfect for families looking for a fun (and free) day out together.

No prizes, no pressure - just plenty of exploring, learning together and smiling!

Created in collaboration with MacKenzie Clan Tours, who helped us dream up the questions and clues that bring Dunfermline’s history to life.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD YOUR PRINTABLE FAMILY FUN TRAIL HERE!

BESPOKE HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR WITH MACKENZIE CLAN ROUTES

Embark on a fascinating journey through Dunfermline's history and hidden gems, starting and ending at the Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries. Suitable for all ages.

YOUR JOURNEY THROUGH DUNFERMLINE...

As part of this collaborative venture with OnFife and W&AS Bruce, Clan Mackenzie Routes is pleased to offer an hour walking tour to help discover the history, art, and heart of Scotland's ancient capital.

Come join us for a fun-filled adventure exploring the beautiful city of Dunfermline! Starting and finishing at the Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries, this one-hour walk will take you on a journey around the historic streets and buildings of the area captured in Charlie's art.

Discover hidden gems, uncover ancient legends, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Dunfermline’s past. Follow the trail through centuries of history, myth and mystery - from royal tales to local folklore - and see the town in a whole new light. Then, complete your journey by visiting the exhibition to see Charlie’s artistic interpretations of the very sites you’ve wandered around.

Don’t forget to pick up a Family Trail Activity Sheet (download above!!) and let Donald guide you along the way - helping you spot clues, answer questions, and bring Dunfermline’s stories to life!

Donald is also happy to run additional tours if there’s enough interest - these can be booked directly with him. Minimum group size: 8.

BOOK YOUR BESPOKE TOUR HERE!!

BESPOKE HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR WITH MACKENZIE CLAN ROUTES

KIDS ART COMPETITION - 5-16 YEARS

Our “Your Journey Through Dunfermline” Art Competition is now open to ALL children aged 5–16 from Dunfermline, Fife and further afield - no registration needed, just create and enter!

This is a brilliant opportunity for young people to celebrate Dunfermline’s history, landmarks, stories and creativity - and to be part of something truly special happening in the city right now.

The winning artworks will be displayed in the Carnegie Library & Galleries for 6 weeks, hanging right alongside Charlie Marshall’s exhibition A Journey Through Dunfermline - an incredible way to begin 2025 for any budding artist!

Theme: “My Journey Through Dunfermline”

Young artists can take inspiration from:

• favourite buildings or streets (winter wonderland scenes perhaps!)

• local stories, myths, famous figures or characters

• memories or moments in the city

• or even their imagined future Dunfermline

Painting, drawing, collage, mixed media and photography are all welcome. Accepted sizes: A5 or A4

DOWNLOAD MORE INFO HERE...

My Journey Through Dunfermline – Primary Schools Art Competition

To celebrate the exhibition A Journey Through Dunfermline, now open at Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries, we’ve launched a special art competition for all Dunfermline primary schools!

Created by local artist Charlie Marshall, the exhibition is a celebration of the city’s history - past and present - and we want to see how Dunfermline’s youngest artists view their hometown.

The theme is “My Journey Through Dunfermline” - and pupils are encouraged to get creative!
Their artwork could be inspired by a favourite place, person, building, or memory, or even an imagined future Dunfermline.
All types of art are welcome - paintings, drawings, collages, mixed media or photography.

Prizes

Top entries will be displayed in the Carnegie Galleries alongside Charlie’s own work.
The overall winner will receive an A5 commissioned painting by Charlie Marshall, and all winning entries will receive art goodies and/or vouchers from local businesses, including W&AS Bruce Solicitors.

Key Dates

Closing date: Monday 8 December 2025
Winners announced: Friday 12 December 2025

Entries can be handed in via schools, dropped off, or posted to W&AS Bruce Solicitors, 80 St. Margaret Street, KY12 7PE - Dunfermline.
Accepted sizes: A5 or A4.

School Involvement

Teachers are encouraged to give pupils some time in class to create their entries, or pupils can complete their artwork at home and hand it back into school.

Schools are also invited to visit the exhibition to meet Charlie Marshall, see his work up close, sketch on the interactive wall, and pick up a fun family activity sheet that links the gallery to Dunfermline’s historic quarter.

This competition is all about inspiring creativity, celebrating community, and encouraging Dunfermline’s children to appreciate the magic on their own doorstep.

Main Contact:

Bex Richmond
Marketing Manager
W&AS Bruce
Email: AJourneyThroughDunfermline@wasbruce.co.uk

Click here for the full information sheet...