Aberdeenshire artist gifts bridge watercolour to Prince Charles

08/09/2021
Kimberley Smith presenting His Royal Highness The Prince Charles, The Duke of Rothesay, with the watercolour of Cambus O’May bridge (credit Aberdeenshire Council)

AN Aberdeenshire artist has presented His Royal Highness The Prince Charles, The Duke of Rothesay with her original watercolour painting of the Royal Deeside bridge he helped to save.

Kimberley Smith from Inverurie gifted the duke her artwork of the Cambus O’May suspension bridge when he visited it in late August.  The duke had donated money through his charity, The Prince’s Foundation, to support the Edwardian structure’s restoration.  Prints of Miss Smith’s painting of the Grade B listed cast-iron bridge had also helped to raise funds for the project.

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The Cambus O’May suspension bridge, which was built in 1905, was severely damaged by floods during Storm Frank in December 2015.  It reopened in March 2021 following major repair work, which was funded by Aberdeenshire Council, private donations and the fundraising efforts of the Ballater Royal Deeside charity.

Miss Smith, who runs her own business, KimberleyART, offered to paint the Cambus O’May suspension bridge after hearing of the Ballater Royal Deeside charity’s fundraising efforts to support the bridge’s repairs.  She created limited edition prints and coasters featuring the artwork and donated the proceeds.  The products were sold in the Brakeley Gift Room in Ballater and were available online through Miss Smith’s website.

The original watercolour painting, which depicts the bridge in autumn, was due to be auctioned off to raise further funds for the restoration project, but the COVID-19 pandemic prevented this.  The Ballater Royal Deeside charity instead asked Miss Smith if she would like to present the artwork to the duke – who is an avid watercolour painter – as a lasting acknowledgement of his contribution to the restoration project.

Kimberley said: “It was a surreal experience to meet Prince Charles and present him with one of my watercolours, but also a real honour.  We spoke about the challenges that painting with watercolours presents.

“It was sad to see what had happened to the bridge.  I have fond memories of it from growing up and have cycled past it many times over the years – it is a beautiful structure in a stunning setting.  When I heard about the fundraising efforts, I wanted to help in whatever way I could and am very pleased to have contributed in a small way to bringing the bridge back to its best.”

KimberleyART is an independent Scottish business established by artist Kimberley Smith.  She creates watercolour paintings of landmarks and landscapes that are made into a range of products, including prints, cards, coasters, tea towels and calendars, which are sold online and are stocked by a number of Scottish retailers.  The scenes include Scottish castles, whisky distilleries, lighthouses and historic properties.  She also undertakes commissions, capturing private homes, favourite views and wedding venues as watercolour paintings.  Kimberley studied architecture at the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture at The Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen and established her business in 2016 while working in the energy industry.  For more information on KimberleyART, visit www.kimberleyart.co.uk or browse the online shop at www.etsy.com/shop/kimberleyart.

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