Port Ellen 200th Anniversary Unveils Ini Archibong Glass Sculpture

The recently reopened Islay whisky distillery, Port Ellen, is celebrating its 200th anniversary milestone by commissioning a new sculpture titled 'The Atlas of Smoke' by artist Ini Archibong. The artwork is now the centerpiece of the new visitor experience at the distillery. This sculpture is Archibong's largest glass artwork to date, standing 2.3 meters tall, and is made of highly specialized Vitrucell glass, believed to be the largest single known Vitrucell glass artwork in existence.

Archibong collaborated closely with glass artisans at Lhotsky Studio in the Czech Republic, utilizing a slow and meticulous process to melt and cool the molten glass, creating amber glowing blocks with a swirling smoke appearance. This layered structure is designed to echo the unique aromas and flavors characteristic of Port Ellen whisky. Additionally, the bronze base of the sculpture draws inspiration from the silhouette of Islay, completed in France in collaboration with contemporary bronze artist Yannick Székany.

Ini Archibong stated that this piece is profoundly meaningful to him, not only because it is his largest glass creation but also because it successfully transforms his encounters with Islay and the people of Port Ellen, his understanding of local values, and their deep affection for the land and community into a tangible artwork—a tribute to the local community.

Owned by Diageo, Port Ellen Distillery officially reopened in March 2024 after being mothballed for over 40 years. The sculpture's unveiling is part of the distillery's year-long 200th-anniversary celebrations, which also include the launch of limited-edition bottlings and collaborations with Mr Lyan and Guinness Open Gate Brewery during Fèis Ìle. Julie Bramham, Managing Director of Diageo's luxury group, expressed immense pride in Ini Archibong's vision, noting that this artistic masterpiece embodies the distillery's mission to map smoke through pioneering experimentation, and anticipates the sculpture will stand in the distillery's foyer for centuries.

2025-12-04

Source: https://thewhiskeywash.com/whiskey-news/port-ellen-unveils-atlas-of-smoke-glass-sculpture-for-200th-year/