Hamish Henderson: An Artist's Inspiration

‘Hamish Henderson: An Artist’s Inspiration’ follows artist Charles Nasmyth as he sets out to capture the spirit of one of Scotland’s most influential yet under-appreciated cultural figures. What began as a personal artistic project –painting a portrait – quickly became a deeper exploration into the life, work and legacy of Hamish Henderson, a man whose impact spans poetry, music, politics and national identity. Through conversations with those who knew him best, Charles uncovers a life shaped by extraordinary experiences. Henderson’s wartime service in the North African desert and alongside Italian partisans left a lasting mark, informing both his political outlook and his creative voice. These experiences would later inspire his acclaimed poetry, including ‘Elegies for the Dead in Cyrenaica’, while also fuelling a lifelong commitment to internationalism and social justice. The film reveals Henderson not only as a collector and champion of Scotland’s folk traditions, but as a vital creative force in his own right. Deeply influenced by Italian thinker Antonio Gramsci, he believed passionately in the value of everyday culture – the songs, stories and language of ordinary people – and worked tirelessly to preserve and promote Scotland’s “carrying stream” of tradition. His songwriting, including ‘Freedom Come All-Ye’, reflects a vision of a more equal, outward-looking Scotland. Blending interviews, music, rare archival material and evocative journeys through the landscapes that shaped him –from Perthshire to Edinburgh’s Sandy Bell’s – this documentary paints a rich and intimate portrait of Henderson. At its heart, it’s as much about artistic inspiration as it is about the enduring power of culture, memory and the individuals who dedicate their lives to keeping them alive. All tickets / seats £10.DocumentaryPT1H15MU2026-04-19
Charles Nasmyth
Hamish Henderson
Flytingfilms
Michael Lloyd
Hamish Henderson: An Artist's Inspiration"Hamish Henderson: An Artist's Inspiration"Art, Culture, Poetry, Scottish, Documentary

Showtimes

April 19, 2:30 pm

April 22, 5:30 pm

Highland Cinema