Oor Wullie gets the rock star treatment as he comes home to Edinburgh Corn Exchange
Local artist enlists the help of Scottish music legends to promote her sustainability message and raise vital funds for the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity.
When the ‘Aff Yir Rocker’ Oor Wullie sculpture came up for auction, there was only one place it was truly destined for. Created by Scottish artist, Wendy Helliwell, ‘Aff Yir Rocker’ is composed of upcycled garments worn and loved by some of the country’s biggest names in music, and so it was fitting that it should find a home at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange where many of these legendary rock stars have performed over the years.
This year marks 110 years since the Edinburgh Corn Exchange was built, and exactly 20 years since it was renovated and reopened as a music and events venue. During that time, hundreds of performers have taken to the stage there, from breakthrough artists to music legends. And so, to mark this momentous milestone, owner Paul DeMarco made it his mission to secure the sculpture, outbidding the competition and helping to raise a substantial amount of money for the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity.
Proudly sponsored by Coulters, ‘Aff Yir Rocker’ took six weeks to create and features garments donated by the likes of Midge Ure, KT Tunstall, Wet Wet Wet, Jim Kerr, Fish, Hue and Cry, Red Sky July, The Wendy’s, Jim Kerr, Davy Henderson, Richard Jobson and Shirley Manson. The result is a celebration of Scotland’s rich musical talent, as well as a comment on the importance of sustainability.
Speaking after the sale of her sculpture, artist Wendy said; ‘The Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity has always been very close to my heart as my son was a neonatal baby for the first four weeks of his life and he may not be here today if it wasn’t for the expertise and dedication of the hospital team. I was therefore thrilled to be able to help raise vital funds for this great cause. I was equally delighted that the Edinburgh Corn Exchange was the winning bidder. I’m hoping it will become a focal point at the venue. He might even collect a few more famous signatures at future concerts!’
Commenting on his purchase, venue owner Paul said; ‘I’m delighted to be bringing home the ‘Aff Yir Rocker’ Oor Wullie to the Edinburgh Corn Exchange where he rightfully belongs. The sculpture is not only a fitting tribute to the incredible performances we’ve hosted here over the past 20 years, it’s also a timely reminder of the importance of sustainability. Just as Wendy has given each of the upcycled garments a new purpose, we have given the Edinburgh Corn Exchange a new lease of life, taking on the listed building in 1999 and transforming it into the award-winning events venue it is today. We’ll certainly be giving Oor Wullie the rock star treatment when he’s officially installed!’
Image: left to right, Paul DeMarco: Owner of the Edinburgh Corn Exchange, Tara Willis: Associate Director (Operations) Coulters, Wendy Helliwell: Artist
Latest Local News
Edinburgh care home chef turns up the heat in national awards
Cat Hepburn embarks on Scottish student tour as part of Book Week Scotland
Traverse Theatre announces new artistic leadership team and board appointments
Musical spectacular arrives at Vue Edinburgh Ocean and Vue Edinburgh Omni
Scotland asked to come together with One Kind Act
Cineworld Edinburgh unveils fully refurbished cinema
Edinburgh crowned most historic city in the north of England and Scotland
Frozen 2 finally arrives at Vue Edinburgh Omni and Vue Edinburgh Ocean
Macdonald Holyrood Hotel transforms restaurant into a fresh food market as it celebrates 20th year
Gleneagles The Strathearn Series to celebrate brightest kitchen talent in Edinburgh
Enjoy breakfast with Santa at Dobbies
Broadway Blockbuster arrives at Vue Edinburgh Omni and Vue Edinburgh Ocean
Argentinian Writer Wins the 2019 Edinburgh International Book Festival First Book Award
The Lion King pop up exhibition across Scotland
A good dose of stubbornness is the secret to a long life according to an Edinburgh resident
Record crowds roll up to Paisley Halloween Festival
A spooktacular Halloween with Vue Edinburgh Omni and Vue Edinburgh Ocean
Down to a fine art: local artist joins Edinburgh care home for the worlds largest drawing festival
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo marches out of Sydney after biggest ever show
Paisley set for Fireworks spectacular
The countdown to GlasGLOW is on!
Pro Dancers announced for Strictly Come Dancing The Professionals Tour
The one where Friends is on the big screen at Vue Edinburgh
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo begins journey Down Under
Tickets for new Elfingrove dates on sale tomorrow at 12noon
Cocktail Fever Hits Edinburgh with Only One Week To Go Until Edinburgh Cocktail Week
The Spree Festival set to bring biggest line up yet to Paisley
Renfrewshire set for spectacular season of winter events
New Elfingrove dates added after 120,000 tickets sold in 24 hours
An Evening with Benefit at Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh: Raising Money for Breast Cancer Now
Sponsored Links
Popular Events
Castle of Light
Expect wonder, enchantment and a spectacle of colour this festive season as Edinburgh Castle, the defender of the nation, becomes the ‘Castle of Light’!Christmas Market - East Princes Street Gardens
The Christmas Market will once again return to East Princes St Gardens for a whole host of bespoke and traditional Christmas items!Christmas at the Botanics 2019
Explore the sights and sounds of Christmas in this magical after dark experience at the Royal Botanic Gardens!Night Walk for Edinburgh
Night Walk for Edinburgh, one of the biggest hits of the Edinburgh international Festival 2019, returns as part of Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay celebrations.Five Sisters Zoo Illuminations
Five Sisters Zoo will once again illuminate the zoo for another year and there is plenty of new surprises in store with our new enchanted riverside walk, stunning lit up water fountains and much more!Advertise With Us
Looking to reach new customers? We offer a variety of advertising options with prices starting from just £30 per month!
