Made Visible by Pictora:
Prison Art Exhibition at Dornoch Cathedral
In July 2025, the historic Dornoch Cathedral opened its doors to an extraordinary exhibition: Made Visible, a showcase of artwork and poetry created by individuals in custody at HMP Inverness, HMP Low Moss and HMP Castle Hunty. Organised and curated by Pictora, the exhibition featured over 70 pieces that challenged perceptions and invited reflection.
In July 2025, the historic Dornoch Cathedral opened its doors to an extraordinary exhibition: Made Visible, a showcase of artwork and poetry created by individuals in custody at HMP Inverness, HMP Low Moss and HMP Castle Hunty. Organised and curated by Pictora, the exhibition featured over 70 pieces that challenged perceptions and invited reflection.
A Cathedral Transformed
The grandeur of Dornoch Cathedral provided a striking contrast to the raw, personal expressions on display. Visitors encountered vivid paintings, intricate drawings, and heartfelt poems — each piece a testament to the power of art behind bars. The exhibition aimed not only to highlight artistic talent but also to foster empathy and understanding between the public and those in prison.
Voices from the Press
Local and national media captured the spirit of Made Visible:
The Northern Times described the exhibition as “aiming to challenge perceptions and support rehabilitation through creativity.”
The Inverness Courier praised it as “a good example of partnership working to support individuals in prison.”
Ross-shire Journal noted that the cathedral “provided a powerful backdrop for an exhibition that underlined the importance of rehabilitation and community support.”
Inside Time featured Pictora co-director Robert Morrall, who said: “The label can change from a prisoner and offender to an artist.”
Community Reactions
Social media lit up with praise and reflection:
“Incredible to see such powerful art in the setting of Dornoch Cathedral. It really changes how you think about people in prison.” — Facebook.
“The Made Visible exhibition is both moving and inspiring. Art has the power to transform lives.” — Instagram.
“So proud that our cathedral hosted this — a reminder that creativity belongs to everyone.” — Twitter/X.
Why It Matters
Made Visible was more than an art show — it was a bridge between worlds. It offered those in custody a chance to be seen as creators, not just inmates. It strengthened ties with families and communities, and it reminded us all that rehabilitation begins with recognition.
For the men who contributed from HMP Inverness, HMP Low Moss and HMP Castle Huntly, the Pictora Made Visible Exhibition was a rare chance to be seen, heard, and valued beyond the prison walls.
🌱 Personal Growth and Identity
Exhibiting in such a historic and respected venue gave participants a sense of pride and achievement.
As Inside Time noted, initiatives like Made Visible “give people in prison a voice on the outside and help communities see the person, not just the sentence.”
For many, the shift from being labelled offender to being recognised as an artist is transformative.
👫 Connection with Families and Community
Prisoners received photographs of their exhibited work and greeting cards printed with their designs, which they could send to loved ones. This strengthens family bonds and allows children and relatives to share in their achievements.
The Inverness Courier praised the exhibition a highlighting its role in bridging prison and community.
🧠 Rehabilitation and Wellbeing
The creative process provided a constructive outlet for expression, reflection, and emotional release.
The Northern Times described the exhibition as one that aimed to “challenge perceptions and support rehabilitation through creativity.”
Certificates of participation and public recognition encouraged continued engagement with education and positive activities inside prison.
💬 Voices from the Public
Visitors echoed these themes on social media:
“Incredible to see such powerful art in the setting of Dornoch Cathedral. It really changes how you think about people in prison.”
“The Made Visible exhibition is both moving and inspiring. Art has the power to transform lives.”
The Pictora Made Visible exhibition has given prisoners dignity, visibility, and hope — proving that creativity can be a bridge between confinement and community, and a catalyst for change.
Pictora would like to thank the following organisations for their support in making the Dornoch Cathedral Made Visible exhibition possible:
Historylinks Museum - Dornoch
Highland News & Media Limited