Press release
New boxset celebrates incredible career of singer Michael Marra
Published on 30 August 2024
University of Dundee artists have helped to create a new celebration of one of the city’s most famous voices.
The boxset is now available to pre-order.
Staff from the University’s Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design have contributed their skills by preparing a series of designs for a new, limited boxed set of works of singer-songwriter and playwright Michael Marra.
A Dundee native, Marra was one of Scotland’s foremost cultural figures. Known as the “Bard of Dundee,” his work over more than four decades often transcended the folk music scene, leading him to work with artists including Van Morrison, Deacon Blue and Barbara Dickson.
In 2007 he was awarded an Honorary Degree by the University for his contribution to Dundee’s cultural scene. He died in October 2012 following a battle with cancer.
As well as a vinyl LP featuring 14 unreleased demos, the boxed set - titled A Can of Mind and A Tin of Think So - includes a 200-page hardback book featuring contributions from Val McDermid, Brian Cox, Lesley Riddoch, Phill Jupitus, and Roddy Woomble, among many others.
A plethora of memorabilia is also incorporated into the set, including t-shirt, artwork, and a reprint of Michael Craig’s From the Overgate to Anchorage newsletter, originally produced in 1996.
Having collaborated with Michael Marra on a publication several years ago, Eddie Summerton, a Senior Lecturer in Contemporary Art Practice, initiated the project after approaching the singer’s family.
He said, “Michael Marra’s contribution to Dundee’s cultural life cannot be overstated.
“His songs and stories encapsulated everything that makes this city special and that was why his work will always be held in such high regard.
“To be given the opportunity to be involved in the work of such an iconic figure has been humbling and the Marra family were incredibly generous with their support.
“The archive was fascinating, containing an intimate congregation of photographs, notes, writing, drawing, collage, diaries, flyers, CDs, press cuttings, gig posters, and carpet soles.
“We found handwritten songs – the songs – appearing on pages, diaries, note paper, on the back of bank slips, even envelopes. It was a real pleasure.”
The edition of 250 boxes will be available to pre-order from Tuesday 3 September and will be available from Friday 27 September.
An installation by Eddie Summerton relating to the project highlighting images, writings and record cover artwork from the boxset is currently on show in the Making of Modern Dundee Gallery at The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum.
You can read more about Eddie Summerton’s work here.