We’re opening the doors of Camphill Hall this Saturday as part of the annual Doors Open Day event.

Doors Open Day is a free festival that takes place across the city, allowing the public access to buildings old and new that may not typically be accessible. The event aims to celebrate Scotland's architectural and cultural heritage.

Camphill Hall on last year's Doors Open Day.

This year, we will be showcasing the artwork of German artist Hermann Gross in our historic Camphill Hall. Hermann Gross was a sculptor, stained-glass maker, and artist-in-residence at Camphill School Aberdeen from 1963 until the end of his life in 1988.

Despite having studied with artists in Paris and Berlin, it was on our estate that he had his most productive years. Gross valued his time at Camphill School Aberdeen with many of his paintings from this period featuring children who lived on Murtle Estate. The paintings, which relate to different aspects of childhood, aim to challenge people’s perceptions of youth. Gross intentionally didn’t name any of his creations during this time to avoid influencing people’s interpretations of each piece.

The former student of Picasso decorated the walls of assembly halls, hallways, meeting rooms, and living spaces across our estate with his work. Gross contributed greatly to our community’s understanding of the value and purpose of art and demonstrated how accessible the process of creating can be. This passion for art has continued at Camphill School Aberdeen ever since.

Famously reclusive with the work he created during his time here, this is a unique opportunity to view Gross’s art and learn more about his time at Camphill School Aberdeen.

Camphill Hall, where the exhibition will be held, also has historical significance. One of Camphill’s earliest buildings to be built on Murtle Estate, Camphill Hall was designed by Slovakian architect Gabor Tallo and opened in 1962 after 20 years of development. Since then, the hall has become an important part of community gatherings and thousands of people have passed through its doors over the decades. Camphill Hall also features stained-glass windows designed by Hermann Gross.

Stained glass designed by Hermann Gross for Camphill Hall.

Doors Open Day is taking place on Saturday 7 September from 10am to 4pm. You can find our exhibition at:

Camphill Hall

Murtle Estate

Bieldside

Aberdeen, AB15 9EP