There’s a real abundance of art in Edinburgh this week – from a tour with the amazing Edinburgh Sketcher to an exhibition of the world’s best press photographs. In between you can see sculpture, silk embroidery, traditional and abstract painting, try knitting or origami, learn about Holyrood Art Pottery and Blue John, and have a go at all sorts of crafts at the Process Studios (Edinburgh Contemporary Crafts) Festival of Making. Edinburgh International Fashion Festival is also in town this week – this time with an emphasis on sustainability; can this ever be achieved in the ultimate fast-forward industry?
Plenty of other options too of course – Edinburgh may be holding its breath as August approaches, but there’s no need to get bored in the meantime! Please check the details of any event with the organisers before setting out.
MONDAY 20TH JULY
The Natural History of Blue John: Blue John is a banded variety of the mineral fluorite, which is only found near Castleton in Derbyshire. It has been worked into ornaments since the late 18th century, and Lauriston Castle houses outstanding collections of Blue John vases, urns, tazzas and bowls. Most veins of Blue John have now been worked out and the mineral is in very short supply, so Blue John artefacts are very valuable and highly collectable. In this lecture Godfrey Fitton, Professor of Igneous Petrology (University of Edinburgh), will show how Blue John formed and acquired its remarkable purple colour; the talk will be followed by a viewing of the Lauriston Castle Blue John collection. 10.30am, Lauriston Castle, 2a Cramond Road South. Tickets cost £8 and must be booked in advance via the Usher Hall Box Office, in person, by calling 0131 228 1155 or online here.
For Crying Out Loud: screenings for carers and their babies under the age of 12 months (maximum of 2 adults per baby). Babychanging, bottle warming and buggy parking facilities are available. This week’s film is The Choir (PG), an uplifting drama featuring Dustin Hoffman in an ‘excellent understated performance’ as head choirmaster, plus Kathy Bates, Josh Lucas, Debra Winger and Eddie Izzard. 11am, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets cost £4.50/£3.50 per adult and may be purchased from the Box Office in person or by calling 0131 228 2688.
Explore Learning Children’s Creative Writing Workshop: based around Roald Dahl’s disgusting Mr & Mrs Twit! For ages 6-8 years. 2.30pm, Oxgangs Library, Oxgangs Road North. Please contact the library on 0131 529 5549 to book your child’s free place.
In Focus: Abraham Cruzvillegas’ El Travieso (An Emotional Craft). Frances McKee, Director, CCA Glasgow, will look at the roots of Cruzvillegas’ approach to sculpture, in particular the influence of the pachuco subculture. Cruzvillegas’ El Travieso (An Emotional Craft) is currently on display as part of REFLECTIONS, a series of changing displays of contemporary art at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art ONE. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Adult Book Group: join the group for lively, friendly chatter about a wide range of books – from fiction to non-fiction, classics, contemporary, prizewinners and cult heroes. Currently reading John Steinbeck’s East of Eden. (Next month’s book will be Ian McEwan’s The Children Act). 6-8pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. If you would like to join, please email your details to events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk.
David Bailey’s Stardust: Opening Lecture. Tim Marlow, Director of Artistic Programmes, Royal Academy, London, who wrote the essay on ‘Bailey and Portraiture’ for the Bailey’s Stardust catalogue, discusses the photographer’s life and work. Marlow is a distinguished curator, cultural commentator, broadcaster and author. 6-7.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Tickets cost £5/£4 and may be purchased from the Information Desk at the Scottish National Gallery in person or by calling 0131 624 6560. Bailey’s Stardust is open at the Scottish National Gallery until 18th October 2015.
Picturehouses Culture Shock: the best in cult and genre films. This week: Risky Business (18) – a Chicago teenager is looking for fun at home while his parents are away, but the situation quickly gets out of hand. 9.15pm, Cameo, Home Street. Tickets may be purchased in person, by calling the Box Office on 0871 902 5723 or online here: prices vary.
LGBT Spiritual Space: Maxwell Reay, NHS Mental Health Community Chaplain, offers a supportive space for people to discuss and develop ideas of spirituality and identity. Suitable for people of all faiths and none. Tonight Maxwell will offer opportunities for individual conversations and information regarding spiritual needs. 6.30-7.30pm (within weekly drop-in, which runs 5.30-8pm), LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. For more information please contact Alison Wren on 0131 652 3283 or email alison@lgbthealth.org.uk.
Grassmarket Free Cinema: Cathy Come Home (PG). In 1966 The Wednesday Play screened one of the most significant pieces of work ever transmitted on British television; written by Jeremy Sandford and directed by Ken Loach, Cathy Come Home tells the bleak story of a woman who loses her home, her husband and eventually her children through the inflexibility of the British welfare system. A grim picture is painted of mid-sixties London, and although realistic, the viewer cannot but realise that a political point is being made. The issues addressed were discussed in Parliament, and one of the consequences of the film was the enormous public support for the housing charity Shelter, whose public launch came shortly after the film was first shown. 7pm, Grassmarket Community Project, 86 Candlemaker Row. All welcome; free – donations to the Project also welcome. The cafe will be open – please use it!
Sofi’s Movie Mondays: popular classics on the silver screen in Sofi’s cosy, darkened back room. With free popcorn! Today’s film is Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas (18) starring Johnny Depp and Benicio del Toro. 8pm, Sofi’s Bar, Henderson Street.
TUESDAY 21ST JULY
Edinburgh Inter Faith Association: Sylvie Bagwiza from Russia will speak on The Barriers To Empowering Women in the Developing World. 6-7.30pm, The Well Cafe, City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, Nicolson Square. All welcome.
Pilton Equality Project Summer Fayre: 1-3.30pm, Community Garden, West Pilton Park, West Pilton Avenue. All welcome!
River Dipping: get into the river for this favourite activity! 2-3.30pm, Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road. £4 per child, accompanying adult free. Booking is essential and may be made by calling 0131 455 7367 or emailing admin@waterofleith.org.uk.
Escher and the Alhambra: From Abstraction to Figuration. MC Escher’s visit to the Alhambra in 1922 would forever transform his work; Dr Lara Eggleton (University of Leeds) will explore the impact of the Alhambra on the artist’s practice and how its composition served as the foundation for imaginary worlds on a two-dimensional plane. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.
WHALE Arts Summer Festival: fun activities for children and families. Today: Superhero Film Day 1 – design characters, make storyboards and costumes. For ages 5-18 years. Please bring a packed lunch. 10am-3pm, WHALE Arts, 30 Westburn Grove. Free but please book by calling 0131 458 3267 or emailing info@whalearts.co.uk – or ask in the Centre.
Leith Folk Club: Marty O’Reilly & The Old Soul Orchestra. A four-man orchestra from Santa Cruz, California that ‘seamlessly weaves trance based blues music, harkening back to John Lee Hooker and Howlin Wolf, with a drunken minor swing comparable to some of Tom Waits’ darker works. Gritty and electrifying!’. 7.30pm, Victoria Park House Hotel, 221 Ferry Road. Tickets cost £7 and may be booked online here or by texting the club’s dedicated booking line on 07502 024 852. Pre-reserved tickets must be collected by 7.30pm on the night.
WEDNESDAY 22ND JULY 2015
WHALE Arts Summer Festival: fun activities for children and families. Today: Superhero Film Day 2 – sounds and special effects; film and screen your movie! For ages 5-18 years. Please bring a packed lunch. 10am-3pm, WHALE Arts, 30 Westburn Grove. Free but please book by calling 0131 458 3267 or emailing info@whalearts.co.uk – or ask in the Centre.
Dr Book’s Surgery. Stuck for something to read? Looking for new and exciting authors to explore? Dr Book will dispense reading advice and suggestions to cure all of your reading ailments – you’ll even get your own reading prescription to take away with you! Consultations available for children aged 5-11 years and parents looking for reading ideas for their children. 2-3pm, Central Children’s Library, George IV Bridge. Free but booking is essential and may be made via eventbrite here.
Lunchtime Concert: Piano Speak with Will Pickvance. 12.15pm, St Giles Cathedral, High Street. Free.
Origami Cranes: learn the story of Sadako and set an origami record for the library. For ages 5-12 years. 3-4pm, Muirhouse Library, Pennywell Road. Free.
Edinburgh Gay Men’s Book Group: an inclusive group where you can meet new people and read and discuss interesting books. 7 (doors open)-9pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. For more information please contact info@gaybookgroup.co.uk.
Set and Stitch: bring your knitting needles along to this workshop and join artists Vala Jonsdottir and Hannah Imlach as they take you through different knitting and crochet techniques on the way to making a communal wool work. Tea, biscuits, chat, laughter, knitting and crochet! The evening will include a tour of Phyllida Barlow’s exhibition set, and Ginger Twist Studio will be running a pop-up shop. 6-9pm, The Fruitmarket Gallery, 45 Market Street. £8 per person: please book via eventbrite here (transaction fee applies).
A Tale of Two Canals: explore the history of the Union and the Forth & Clyde Canals and the building of the Falkirk Wheel with the Scottish Waterways Trust – free walking tours packed with quirky facts and fascinating stories! Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult; please wear sturdy boots or shoes and waterproof clothing. 1-3pm, The Falkirk Wheel, Lime Road, Tamfourhill. Book your free place via eventbrite here. Also at same time on 29th July and 5th August 2015.
Record Breakers Rapid Racers: make and race a super-powered car! 2-3pm, Drumbrae Library Hub, 81 Drum Brae Drive. Free.
Painting Minibeast Paperweights: for ages 5-12 years. 3.30-4.30pm, Granton Library, Wardieburn Terrace. Free.
Summer Fun In The Courtyard: free family activities every week in July. Today Puppet State Theatre Company will stage its award-winning show, The Man Who Planted Trees. 11.30am, Sanctuary, St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church, 13 George Street. Free: participants will also receive a voucher for use in the Undercroft Cafe.
LGBT Icebreakers: if you want to meet new people, are just coming out, or don’t feel confident going out on ‘the scene’, try Icebreakers – an informal, fun and friendly social group for LGBT people and anyone questioning their sexuality or gender identity. For ages 18+. 7.30-9.30pm, The Regent Bar, Montrose Terrace. For more information please contact Alison Wren on 0131 652 3283 or email alison@lgbthealth.org.uk.
Guided Tour of the National Library: a tour of the building and an introduction to the Library’s collections and history. 10.30am, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free but booking is essential and may be made by calling 0131 623 3734 or online here.
World Press Photos 2015: the acclaimed annual press photography exhibition returns to the Scottish Parliament; this year the expert jury gave awards to 42 photographers from 17 nationalities, with the overall prize going to Danish photographer Mads Nissen. This international touring exhibition will visit 100 cities in 45 countries. 10am-5pm, Monday to Saturday, The Scottish Parliament, Holyrood. Free. Closes 22nd August 2015.
Michael Peto Photographs: Politics in Focus. Hungarian-born photojournalist Michael Peto (1908-70) moved to London in 1939; his photography was first published in The Observer in 1949. As well as documenting social issues and power brokers, Peto became a distinctive observer of performers and is perhaps best known for his images of dancers Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev. This exhibition of portraits and photographs has been specially selected from The Peto Collection (University of Dundee) for display in the Parliament; it forms a powerful portrait of social, political and cultural life in the 1950s and 60s. 10am-5pm, Monday to Saturday, The Scottish Parliament, Holyrood. Free. Closes 22nd August 2015.
All images above © University of Dundee The Peto Collection
Introduction to Maps at the National Library of Scotland. NLS is home to one of the largest map collections in the world, with a collection including everything from town plans to world atlases, railway maps and star charts. Learn about the range of maps available and view a selection of highlights. The session will include an introduction to the Maps Reading Room. 2pm, Maps Reading Room, 159 Causewayside. Free but booking is required and may be made by calling 0131 623 3734 or online here.
Poets Against Humanity: subtly divesting itself of any sort of coherent ideology, this show returns for its fifth attempt at destroying poetry. Vicki Jarrett Chung, Freddie Alexander and Jennifer Lynn Williams form tonight’s panel. 8-10pm, The Banshee Labyrinth, Niddrie Street. Free.
Freemachines: develop new IT and creative skills. For ages 12-14 years. 5-7pm, Granton Library, Wardieburn Terrace. Free.
THURSDAY 23RD JULY 2015
Wing It! Harness the power of flight and track down winged wildlife. 2-3.30pm, Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road. £4 per child, accompanying adult free. Booking is essential and may be made by calling 0131 455 7367 or emailing admin@waterofleith.org.uk.
Museum of Edinburgh: Recycled City. Help build a miniature version of Edinburgh using recycled materials. If you’ve got the imagination, Lauren Wayland’s got the materials! The finished sculptures will be displayed together to create a group piece for everyone to explore and enjoy. 2.30-4pm, Museum of Edinburgh, Huntly House, 142 Canongate. Tickets cost £4 and must be booked in advance via the Usher Hall Box Office, in person, by calling 0131 228 1155 or online here. Please note that these workshops are intended for children and adults to experience together; children must be accompanied by at least one paying adult, and no child should be booked into a workshop alone.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents Chris Close: Between the Lines – Author Portraits. In 2009 photographer Chris Close took an idea to the Edinburgh International Book Festival. He wanted to photograph a selection of authors appearing that year and produce a ‘live’ exhibition of the work – the portraits of the authors would be captured one day and on display the next. Some logistical problems were overcome and at 5.30pm on August 15th Chris Emmanuel Jal became the first person to be photographed by Chris in what has become an annual exhibition, believed to be the only one of its kind. This new book contains one hundred of Chris’s unique author portraits. Chris is one of the founding members of Retina, Scotland’s annual festival of photography. 6.30pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Tickets are free and may be obtained from the shop’s front desk, by calling 0131 622 8218, emailing events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk or via eventbrite here.
WHALE Arts Summer Festival: fun activities for children and families. Today: Circus Skills – juggling and balancing fun. 10am-11am for ages 5+, 11am-12 noon for ages 8+, WHALE Arts, 30 Westburn Grove. Free – just drop in!
Live Music Now: Ainsley Hamill and Alistair Paterson. Experience the traditional mixed with the contemporary in this exciting combination of songs in English, Gaelic and Scots, accompanied by keyboard and harmonium. 6-6.30pm, Ground Floor, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free and unticketed.
Edinburgh International Fashion Festival: Future of Fashion – Love, Lease, Lend. In partnership with Zero Waste Scotland, a presentation by Bert van Son (MUD jeans) followed by a panel discussion with Bert, Claudia Domokos (Rentez-vous), Lynn Wilson (Zero Waste Scotland) and others (tbc). This event is aimed at designers, manufacturers and retailers, who will be able to join in the discussion and ask questions. The Herald Online Fashion Awards will also be launched at this event, which will be followed by drinks and a networking reception. 3pm, Dovecot Studios, Infirmary Street. Free but booking is required and may be made via eventbrite here.
An Evening with Lisa Ballantyne: the author launches her new novel, Redemption Road, (‘An emotionally compelling tale of old sins and lingering ghosts’ Chris Brookmyre), discusses her work and answers your questions. 6pm, Waterstones West End, 128 Princes Street. Free but a ticket is required: please call 0131 226 2666.
FRIDAY 24TH JULY 2015
The Edinburgh Sketcher at Lauriston Castle: Sketching for Families. Special family sessions with the famous Edinburgh Sketcher! In this tour you will get the chance to learn speed sketching skills and time-saving solutions so that you can capture the world around you in ink and watercolour, no matter how much time you have. Make delightful drawings and be inspired to do more in the future! 10am or 1pm, Lauriston Castle, 2a Cramond Road South. Tickets cost £5 and must be booked in advance via the Usher Hall Box Office, in person, by calling 0131 228 1155 or online here. Please note that these sessions are intended for children and adults to experience together; children must be accompanied by at least one paying adult, and no child should be booked into a session alone. No adult unaccompanied by a child will be admitted – but there are two masterclasses for adults (over 16 years) on Saturday 15th August (£20 per person).
Record Breakers Quick-Change Challenge! 2pm, Blackhall Library, Hillhouse Road.
Summer Yoga: 10.30am-12 noon today and every Friday until 14th August, Eric Liddell Centre, 15 Morningside Road. £6/£5 (mats provided). For more information please contact fiona@ericliddell.org or call 0131 446 3321.
That’s Jammy: homemade jellies, jams and chutneys on sale from the Edinburgh-based makers. 2.30-6.30pm, Leith Walk Police Box, Croall Place.
Record Breakers Record Breaking Sports! Who can top the library’s leader board? For ages 5+ years. 2.30pm, Corstorphine Library, Kirk Loan.
The Water Hen: Kantor, Demarco and the Edinburgh Festival. The RSA premier’s newly discovered and hitherto unknown footage of an entire performance of Tadeusz Kantor’s seminal production of Stanislaw Ignacy Witkiewicz’s The Water Hen (Edinburgh 1972). 2015 is the ‘Year of Kantor‘ in Poland, being the centenary of his birth. Like several other eastern European artists, his work with Richard Demarco (in the 1972, 1973 and 1976 Edinburgh Festivals) established his international reputation. Accompanying the film will be six new filmed performances made in Edinburgh by three Polish-based and three Scottish-based artists, Zuzanna Janin, Karolina Kubik, Norbert Delman, Steven Anderson, Jedrzej Cichosz and Peter McRae. There will be a seated public preview of The Water Hen at 4pm today, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. (Free but booking is recommended – email info@royalscottishacademy.org); from Saturday 25th July it will be showing at the Finlay Room, Royal Scottish Academy, The Mound. Admission free; ends 5th September 2015.
Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway Summer Diesel Gala: an event primarily for diesel enthusiasts, with trains on the railway this weekend being hauled by some of the society’s impressive collection of diesel locomotives, and other locos on show. Relive the sights – and smells – of these great diesel engines of the Swinging Sixties, which took us to work and for days out at the seaside until the 1980s. Special timetables and fares will apply. The Station Buffet at Bo’ness will be open for delicious home made food each day, and there will be an on-train buffet serving snacks and real ale. Begins 5pm today, Bo’ness Station, Union Street, Bo’ness. Ends Sunday 25th July 2015 (last train departs Bo’ness 6pm). For details of timetables and tickets, please see the railway’s website here.
Gallery Social: Lee Miller and Picasso. A relaxed and informal guided tour with refreshments for anyone affected by dementia, their relatives, friends and supporters. 10.30am-12 noon, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. To book a free place please contact the Information Desk on 0131 624 6560.
Abstract Art Attack: explore the possibilities and leave the rules behind! Join artist Erik Petrie for an introduction to abstract art, exploring the gallery’s fantastic collection. 2.30-4pm, City Art Centre, 2 Market Street. Tickets cost £4 and must be booked in advance via the Usher Hall Box Office, in person, by calling 0131 228 1155 or online here. Please note that this workshop is intended for children and adults to experience together; children must be accompanied by at least one paying adult, and no child should be booked into a workshop alone.
Museum of Edinburgh: The Holyrood Art Pottery of Henry Taylor Wyse (1879-1951) and the Museum of Edinburgh collection. The Holyrood Pottery existed for just ten years (1917-27) and was managed by Helann Wyse on behalf of her father, who was by then Principal Lecturer in Art at Moray House. This talk by former President of the Scottish Pottery Society Heather Jack will provide the background to the notable collection that Mrs Helann Wannop (nee Wyse) donated to the museum in the 1970s, and demonstrate the distinguished contribution made by Henry Wyse to the arts in Scotland. 10.30am, Museum of Edinburgh, Huntly House, 142 Canongate. Tickets cost £5/£3.50 and must be booked in advance via the Usher Hall Box Office, in person, by calling 0131 228 1155 or online here.
Record Breakers – Get Beachy! Painting sea shells and more sun-filled crafts. For all ages. 2.30-3.30pm, Stockbridge Library, Hamilton Place. Free.
Love Like Hate: Australians Heather Cheketri and Sonja Ter Horst bring their ‘catchy and slightly off kilter’ brand of alternative indie/rock/dark pop to Edinburgh. As part of Vegan Roadshow, Love Like Hate are touring the country with blogger and event planner Fat Gay Vegan; each stop of the tour will feature an information and merchandise desk by activist group Animal Equality. Tonight’s event will be a stripped-back ‘condensed’ version of Vegan Roadshow, with a short set from Love Like Hate followed by the chance to meet Fat Gay Vegan and activists from Animal Equality. 6.30pm, Word Power Books, West Nicolson Street. Free: all welcome – donations also welcome!
The Torrance Gallery Edinburgh Festival Exhibition: paintings by Joseph Maxwell Stuart, Janet McCrorie, Sonas Maclean, Shazia Mahmood, Lynn Rodgie, Stuart Herd and Tom Watt, with jewellery by Sheana Stephen. Opening tonight 5.30-8pm, then 11am-6pm Monday to Friday, 10.30am-4pm Saturdays, The Torrance Gallery, Dundas Street. Ends 22nd August 2015.
The Bluesbroker Experience: blues, acoustic and electric, with some classic rock for good measure. For over 18s only. 7.30pm, The Voodoo Rooms, West Register Street. Tickets cost £6 in advance or £7 on the door.
The Traditional Singing Weekend at Cullerlie. Your first opportunity to leave the city this weekend is an unusual one, bringing together traditional singers from Scotland, Ireland and England. It’s especially for those who like to hear, enjoy and join in unaccompanied traditional singing in a friendly, informal and non-competitive environment. Guest singers include Francy Devine (Dublin), Bella Hardy (Derbyshire – BBC Folk Singer of the Year 2014) and Billy Jolly (Orkney), and the programme also offers ceilidhs, workshops, craft demos and a talk. Starts today at 7.30pm with the Come-All-Ye welcome, ends 5pm Sunday after the Farewell Concert, Cullerlie Farm Park, Skene, Aberdeenshire AB32 6XL. Tickets cost £28/£22 for the whole weekend, day tickets, camping and meal-inclusive tickets also available (no bar – BYOB). For full programme, booking form and accommodation options, click here.
The Wickerman: your second chance to get out of Edinburgh this weekend is quite different – the Wickerman Festival in Kircudbright offers a huge line-up with acts including The Waterboys, Squeeze, Lulu, The Vaselines, Bella and the Bear, Edinburgh’s own Withered Hand, – and lots, lots more. Plus the Wee Green Cinema, the Karaoke Taxi, mobile zip wire, Festival Circus, children’s activities (storytelling, singalongs, art, puppet shows) and a Retreat offering relaxing treatments and yoga. Street food, cakes, ice-cream – and the intriguing Granny Turismo, ‘the first and only granny shopping trolley dance display team’. The Wickerman Festival starts today at 12 noon (camping open from 12 noon on Thursday 23rd July) at East Kirkcarswell, Near Dundrennan. For full information, including programme and accommodation options (yes, the luxury yurt is in evidence…), see the festival’s website here.
SATURDAY 25TH JULY 2015
Juniper Green Farmers’ Market: stalls with an extensive range of products, including breads, cakes, cheeses, fish, meat, pies, preserves, coffee, Fair Trade goods, hot snacks and drinks. The market also offers local residents the chance to meet with their local councillors, community councillors, MP and MSP. 9am-1pm today and every last Saturday of the month, Juniper Green Village Hall, 1A Juniper Park Road. Organised by Juniper Green Community Council.
Scotland’s Gardens: 45 Northfield Crescent. A delightful garden with a wide variety of shrubs, herbaceous, bedding and dahlia plants. Large pond with a small waterfall and a colourful decking area. Vegetable patch with raised bed; greenhouse with award-winning pot plants. The garden is the current holder of the Oatridge College award and has won several gold medals. 2-5pm, 45 Northfield Crescent, Longridge, Bathgate EH47 8AL (for directions click here). £3 per person. 40% of the proceeds will go to World Cancer Research, the net remainder to SG beneficiaries. For nore information please contact Mr Jamie Robertson on 07885 701642 or email jamierobertson04@hotmail.co.uk. Also at same times on Sunday 26th July 2015.
The Ancient Art of Fine Silk Embroidery: an exhibition by Su Embroidery Studio, showcasing an art developed more than 2,500 years ago, and the skill and delicacy required to produce fine hand-stitched silk works. 10am-6pm Monday to Friday, 11am-2pm Saturdays, Dundas Street Gallery, 6 Dundas Street. Ends 7th August 2015.
Record Breakers Rubik’s Cube & Post-It Challenge! For ages 5+ years. 2.30pm, Corstorphine Library, Kirk Loan.
This Is My Rite: dance artist and choreographer Charlotte Jarvis performs this unique form of poetic dance drama, exploring the seasons and emotional landscapes of human life. ‘This is dance as a quest for truth, freedom and love’. The performance will be followed by an informal Q & A session. Directed by David WW Johnstone. For ages 14+. 7pm, Netherbow Theatre, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Tickets cost £8/£6 and are available in person, by calling the Box Office on 0131 556 9579 or online here; price includes a free drink.
Out of the Blue Flea Market: over 45 stalls full to bursting with clothes, jewellery, small furniture, music, books, bric a brac and more, The Drill Hall Arts Cafe will be open for the purchase of delicious home-made cakes, snacks and light lunches. 10am-3pm, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street.
LGBT Summer Fete: a bonanza of activities and celebrations await at this annual event for the whole community – bring your friends, family and supporters. 1-5pm, Tollcross Community Centre, 117 Fountainbridge. For more information please contact Jules Stapleton Barnes on 0131 523 1104 or email jules@lgbthealth.org.uk.
LGBT Community Groups Fair @ Summer Fete: come and meet people from some of the many LGBT groups and organisations in Edinburgh, representing different interests and providing an array of activities and support for LGBT people. Stalls will include Bi & Beyond Edinburgh, Our Tribe, Edinburgh Trans Women, ROAM, Gay Men’s Health, Me & T Monthly and LGBT Basketball. 1-5pm, Tollcross Community Centre, 117 Fountainbridge. For more information please contact Jules Stapleton Barnes on 0131 523 1104 or email jules@lgbthealth.org.uk.
Bohemia Moon Art & Craft Fair: over 35 stalls with artist-makers from all over Scotland. Summer cafe open for light refreshments. 11am-4.30pm, Greyfriars Kirk, Greyfriars Place. Free entry, all welcome – dog friendly!
Summer Storytime: There Was A Wee Lassie Who Swallowed A Midgie. Come and listen to this tale by Rebecca Colby, and join in arts and activities related to the story. 12 noon, Waterstones West End, 128 Princes Street. Please call 0131 226 2666 for further information.
National Gallery Highlight Tours: an introduction to and tour of the National Gallery’s permanent collection, focusing on key paintings. 2-2.45pm or 3-3.45pm, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.
Summer Storytime: The Worst Princess. ‘Once upon a time in a tower near you, Lived a sad princess, the Princess Sue. “Some day” she sighed “my prince will come. But I wish he’d move his royal bum”‘. Come and listen to Anna Kemp’s story, then join in arts and activities related to the book. 3pm, Waterstones George Street, 83 George Street.
Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway Summer Diesel Gala: an event primarily for diesel enthusiasts, with trains on the railway this weekend being hauled by some of the society’s impressive collection of diesel locomotives, and other locos on show. Relive the sights – and smells – of these great diesel engines of the Swinging Sixties, which took us to work and for days out at the seaside until the 1980s. Special timetables and fares will apply. The Station Buffet at Bo’ness will be open for delicious home made food each day, and there will be an on-train buffet serving snacks and real ale. Today’s first train departs at 8.30am, Bo’ness Station, Union Street, Bo’ness. Gala ends Sunday 25th July 2015 (last train departs Bo’ness 6pm). For details of timetables and tickets, please see the railway’s website here.
Abstract Experiments! Join Lauren Wayland and try lots of strange art techniques, using colour, shape and texture – then create your own piece of abstract art. 2-4pm, City Art Centre, 2 Market Street. Tickets cost £4 and must be booked in advance via the Usher Hall Box Office, in person, by calling 0131 228 1155 or online here. Please note that this workshop is intended for children and adults to experience together; children must be accompanied by at least one paying adult, and no child should be booked into a workshop alone.
John Chamberlain: Sculptures. The first solo exhibition with a UK public gallery by the American artist includes monumental twisted metal foil sculptures placed both in the light-filled rooms of Inverleith House and throughout the Garden. Chamberlain (1929-2011) is best known for creating vibrantly coloured, dynamic metal sculptures made from salvaged materials and car parts; seen in the context of the Garden, the presentation accentuates the surprisingly natural, organic qualities of his work. 10am-5.30pm Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays), Inverleith House, Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, Inverleith Row. Free. Ends 4th October 2015.
Edinburgh International Fashion Festival: Sustainability Symposium. 80% of a product’s environmental impact is determined at the design stage; everything from kettles to furniture to fashion follows trends and styles that are becoming faster and faster, whilst global resources are drastically reducing. This panel discussion, presented in partnership with Zero Waste Scotland, will discuss whether a sustainable fashion industry is achievable. The panel will feature Claire Bergkamp (Head of Sustainability, Stella McCartney), Sofie Rogers (Sustainability Manager, IKEA Scotland), Massimo Nicosia (Head Designer, Pringle Scotland), Hannah Lane (Communcations Director, Redress), Lynn Wilson (Zero Waste Scotland) and Andrew Kerr (Edinburgh Centre of Carbon Innovation). For ages 14+. 11am-12.30pm (doors open 10.45am), Auditorium, Level One, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Free but booking is required and may be made via eventbrite here.
Gasland: a film about fracking. 7-10pm, Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh (ACE), 17 West Montgomery Place. ACE is a self-managed social resource centre, open for the use of groups and individuals who are trying to make a better society and improve their lives. It hosts a variety of projects, including The Leith Wholefoods Co-Op and the Scottish Radical Library. For more information visit ACE’s website here.
Process Studios Festival of Making: Edinburgh Contemporary Crafts offer a full weekend of workshops, demonstrations, live music and food! The chance to have a go at crafts (wheel throwing, sublimation textiles, smoke fired ceramics and forging), attend talks and demos by luthiers (guitar and violin makers), upholsterers and weavers and join in workshops to make your own screenprinted apron, silver ring band, quilted button purse, kiln fired glass tile, slip-cast earthenware bowl or Japanese bound book. Plus an evening of live music and performance, including appearances by three-piece Edinburgh band Sink, Mina Hewes and a celidh led by Heid. From 10am, Process Studios, (formerly Edinburgh Contemporary Crafts), Abbeymount Techbase, 2 Easter Road. Also from 12 noon on Sunday 26th July (evening entertainment Saturday only). Workshops cost £10 per person and should be booked in advance here.
Edinburgh International Fashion Festival: The True Cost (12) A documentary about ‘fast fashion’, about the clothes we buy and the people that make them. Social Tailor and Fashion Revolution present this film by LA writer and director Andrew Morgan. Taking you on a journey around the world, The True Cost follows clothing from design to manufacture to shop floor, showing the huge profits alongside a standard of living and working that is both shocking and horrifying. For ages 14+. 1-2.30pm (doors open 2.45pm), Auditorium, Level One, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Free but booking is required and may be made via eventbrite here.
Edinburgh International Fashion Festival: Louise Wilson Remembered. Sarah Mower leads a conversation on Louise Wilson’s remarkable career. As one of the foremost educators of her generation, Louise Wilson’s legacy continues through the many designers and fellow educators whose careers began under her legendary guidance; her former students include Alexander McQueen, Jonathan Saunders, Christopher Kane, Marios Schwab, Peter Jensen, Richard Nicoll, Christopher Shannon and Sophia Kokosalaki. Joining Sarah in the discussion will be Jonathan Saunders, Professor Christopher Breward, Fleet Bigwood and Alistair O’Neill. For ages 14+. 3-4.30pm (doors open 2.45pm), Auditorium, Level One, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Free but booking is required and may be made via eventbrite here.
Neu! Reekie! Anywhere But The Cities Tour. Dewars, Neu! Reekie! (‘Scotland’s favourite avant-garde noisemakers’ [The Skinny])and FOUND take to the road, with anarchic music and poetry from guests The Sexual Objects, Hollie McNish, Michael Pedersen and Kevin Williamson. 6.30pm, Linlithgow Palace Undercroft, Kirkgate. ‘A lustre-drenched meeting of brilliance’. Tickets cost £10 (includes drinks) and are available from Brown Paper Tickets here (transaction fee applies).
Over The Rainbow: the monthly screening strand for new and classic queer cinema and events. This month Over The Rainbow makes its first retropsective selection: Orlando (PG), a ‘bold, unsentimental and strikingly cinematic reworking of the 1928 novel (by Virginia Woolf) long considered a classic in both feminist and gender studies. Directed by Sally Potter and featuring Tilda Swinton in the title role. 3.45pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 228 2688 or online here; prices vary. Also showing at 6pm on Sunday 26th July 2015.
Company of Wolves: A Brief History of Evil (previews). A duet about the lies we tell each other, and ourselves: how easy it is to lose our way, and find ourselves somewhere shocking, doing things we’d never imagined. With humour and darkness, sorrow and light, Company of Wolves, a physical theatre company from Glasgow, investigates what happens when we listen to the voices inside us – or not. For ages 15+. 7.30pm, Anatomy Lecture Theatre, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. Tickets cost £8/£6 and are available from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 560 1580 or online here. Also at same time on Sunday 26th July 2015, and in the Fringe 7-11th August 2015.
Saturday Session: Hoban and Scott. New to Edinburgh, an Americana, country, bluegrass and harmony vocal duo. 2pm, Sofi’s Bar, Henderson Street. Free entry.
SUNDAY 26TH JULY 2015
Process Studios Festival of Making: Edinburgh Contemporary Crafts offer a full weekend of workshops, demonstrations, live music and food! The chance to have a go at crafts (wheel throwing, sublimation textiles, smoke fired ceramics and forging), attend talks and demos by luthiers (guitar and violin makers), upholsterers and weavers and join in workshops to make your own screenprinted apron, silver ring band, quilted button purse, kiln fired glass tile, slip-cast earthenware bowl or Japanese bound book. From 12 noon, Process Studios, (formerly Edinburgh Contemporary Crafts), Abbeymount Techbase, 2 Easter Road. Workshops cost £10 per person and should be booked in advance here.
Lunchtime Concert: Nightingale. A concert of Japanese, Chinese and German songs – and one famous English one to sing along to! 12.30pm, St John’s Church, Princes Street. Free: all welcome.
Scotland’s Gardens: 45 Northfield Crescent. A delightful garden with a wide variety of shrubs, herbaceous, bedding and dahlia plants. Large pond with a small waterfall and a colourful decking area. Vegetable patch with raised bed; greenhouse with award-winning pot plants. The garden is the current holder of the Oatridge College award and has won several gold medals. 2-5pm, 45 Northfield Crescent, Longridge, Bathgate EH47 8AL (for directions click here). £3 per person. 40% of the proceeds will go to World Cancer Research, the net remainder to SG beneficiaries. For nore information please contact Mr Jamie Robertson on 07885 701642 or email jamierobertson04@hotmail.co.uk.
Filmhouse Junior: screenings for a younger audience. This week’s film is Labyrinth (U), directed by Jim Henderson and starring David Bowie as the Goblin King and Jennifer Connelly as the young girl who must travel through the labyrinth to save her baby brother from him. 11am, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets cost £4 per person, big or small, and may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 228 2688 or online here.
Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway Summer Diesel Gala: an event primarily for diesel enthusiasts, with trains on the railway this weekend being hauled by some of the society’s impressive collection of diesel locomotives, and other locos on show. Relive the sights – and smells – of these great diesel engines of the Swinging Sixties, which took us to work and for days out at the seaside until the 1980s. Special timetables and fares will apply. The Station Buffet at Bo’ness will be open for delicious home made food each day, and there will be an on-train buffet serving snacks and real ale. Today’s first train departs at 9.30am, Bo’ness Station, Union Street, Bo’ness. The Gala ends tonight, with the last train departing from Bo’ness at 6pm. For details of timetables and tickets, please see the railway’s website here.
Edinburgh International Fashion Festival: Pringle Open Day. Celebrate 200 years of Pringle of Scotland with knitting workshops and the chance to share your Borders-made knitwear treasures with the experts. The workshops are (1) Learn to knit a snood with Coats Crafts and (2) Creative hand-knitting with Eribe Knitwear; each workshop will run 12 noon-4pm on a drop-in basis and both are free. From 1 to 2.30pm, you can share your Pringle treasures with James Robinson, NMS Keeper of Art & Design, and Borders knitwear specialist Dr Jamie Mulherron (please note no valuations can be given, and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis). 12 noon-4pm, Grand Gallery and Events Space, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Free.
Edinburgh International Fashion Festival: A Passion for Pringle. Former Pringle designers Wallace Shaw and Lesley Brown discuss designing for machine-made knitwear and their contribution to the fashion revolution of the 1960s and 70s. For ages 14+. 2-3pm (doors open 1.45pm), Auditorium, Level One, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Free but booking is required and may be made in person at the Museum’s information desk, by calling 0300 123 6789 or online here.
Me & T Monthly: a supportive space for people who have friends, family or partners who are trans*, non-binary or exploring their gender. An opportunity to discuss experiences, questions or concerns. 2-4pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. For more information please contact me.and.t.scotland@gmail.com at any time.
Edinburgh International Fashion Festival: Digital Relevance Symposium. Danielle Bennison Brown (Conde Nast Digital), Raven Smith (Nowness), David Lindsay (FarFetch) and Scottish journalist Anna Burnside discuss the media’s ever-changing roles. Chair: Rachel Arthur (WGSN). For ages 14+. 11am-12.30pm, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Free but booking is required and may be made via eventbrite here.
Over The Rainbow: the monthly screening strand for new and classic queer cinema and events. This month Over The Rainbow makes its first retropsective selection: Orlando (PG), a ‘bold, unsentimental and strikingly cinematic reworking of the 1928 novel (by Virginia Woolf) long considered a classic in both feminist and gender studies. Directed by Sally Potter and featuring Tilda Swinton in the title role. 6pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 228 2688 or online here; prices vary.
LGBT: A Decent Proposal – Meet Up & A Movie. An invitation for men, masculine-identified people, trans* men, non-binary folk and anyone who doesn’t primarily identify as a woman. LGBT Health & Wellbeing wants your ideas and opinions on what kind of monthly social opportunities you are interested in attending. A relaxed get-together with some complementary drinks and nibbles to get the conversation started, followed by the option to see a film (see above). 3-5pm, Filmhouse Cafe Bar, Lothian Road. The meet up is free but booking is required and may be made here – or contact Alison Wren on 0131 652 3283/email: alison@lgbthealth.org.uk. Optional film ticket £9/£7.20.
Anyone Can Play Guitar: Sofi’s new alternative open-stage evening – an unplugged and intimate night for all but guitars. Performers get a free drink! Hosted by Lost Proclaimer. 8pm, Sofi’s Bar, Henderson Street.
St Giles’ At Six: The Nenthorne Ensemble from the Borders play Elgar Serenade for Strings and Grieg Holberg Suite. 6pm, St Giles Cathedral, High Street. Free: retiring collection.
