In 1990, Tom McKendrick produced in 'Submarine', one of the most 'wonderful and weird' installations of artwork which the Collins Gallery has been privileged to exhibit. Over 140,000 visitors of all ages and from all walks of life experienced this multimedia homage to the submarine and, 6 years on, memories of the ghostly fleet, which floated through a smoky atmosphere to the haunting sounds of sirens and whale song, pay lasting tribute to the artist's innovative ability to communicate the history, mythology and even romance of these dangerous weapons.

In the year in which the University of Strathclyde celebrates its bicentenary, the Collins Gallery has once again enjoyed the excitement of working with Tom McKendrick and sponsors KPMG, towards the realisation of another ambitious multimedia exhibition,' Iron'

An exhibition dedicated to the contemplation of an industry in a state of demise, and to the traditions, mythologies and working patterns of the thousands of lives associated with it. Within this environment, an almost sinister focus is placed on such simple and unitarian objects as the rivet or clocking-in card, elevating their status to pieces of treasure or mysterious archaeological curios. The significance of numbers and measurements, shapes and sounds, is highlighted in the paintings and the sculptures and in consequence, they become abstracted pieces of a code which must be reassembled if we are to understand the mechanics involved in the detailed production of the great ships. IRON is a provocative exhibition, the work of a compulsive storyteller which, it is hoped, will encourage new tales to be heard and new tales to be told.