A long rubble warehouse beside its quay now holds a nationally important collection of modern and contemporary art.
Quick facts
- Date
- Early 19th century; converted 1978; later expansion
- Architect / designer
- Original designer unrecorded; 1978 conversion by Kate Heron with Levitt Bernstein Associates
- Type
- Former waterfront warehouse converted to an art gallery with quay
- Designation
- Listed building, Category B (LB41809)
- OS grid reference
- HY 25448 09140
Architecture, archaeology and continuing use
The two-storey, eleven-bay stone range presents an irregular sequence of deep-set doors and windows beneath crowstepped gables. Forestairs at the ends and the adjoining quay preserve its working-waterfront character despite conversion to gallery use.
Its story
The warehouse was associated with Edward Clouston, the Hudson’s Bay Company recruiting agent for Orkney from 1836 to 1867. In 1978 Kate Heron and Levitt Bernstein converted it to house Margaret Gardiner’s gift of modern art to the people of Orkney.
Why it is included
Category B listing reflects the building’s strong waterfront form, mercantile history and nationally significant adaptation for public culture.
What to notice
- The long irregular rubble elevation.
- External stairs recalling warehouse circulation.
- The direct relationship between building and quay.
Reading the surroundings
Enter during the gallery’s advertised hours. The waterfront setting includes working and unguarded edges, so follow staff guidance and remain within public areas.
Timeline
- 1836–67 Edward Clouston recruited Orkney workers for the Hudson’s Bay Company from these premises.
- 1978 A sensitive conversion opened the warehouse as the Pier Arts Centre.
- 2007 A major redevelopment expanded the gallery while retaining the historic range.
- 2026 The centre continues to present its collection and temporary exhibitions.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
The original warehouse date is broad, and later gallery development extends beyond the fabric described in the listing.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: Pier Arts Centre, LB41809 — Designation status, mapped location, date, fabric and architectural or archaeological interest.
- Pier Arts Centre — Current gallery operation, collection, exhibitions and visitor arrangements.
Location
OS grid reference HY 25448 09140 · Location confidence: High: the national designation supplies an official mapped National Grid Reference; an additional source confirms the Place relationship, history or current identity. · Select the marker to open its satellite view in Google Maps. On desktop, drag Pegman (the yellow figure) onto a blue road. On mobile, turn on the Street View layer and tap a blue road. Other photo markers may be user-contributed.
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