£8700 for Kelly Holmes torso

In its summer show from 23 July 2014, the Urbane Art Gallery on Edinburgh’s Jeffrey Street will be exhibiting the real body cast of athlete Dame Kelly Holmes, among other sculptures by world leading body-cast sculptor Louise Giblin. The sculpture version of the gold medallist is available to buy at the gallery for £8,700 with ten per cent of the proceeds going to Headfirst charity.

The summer show, which runs during the Edinburgh International Festival until September, includes a range of sculptures and drawings by Giblin, and new paintings by popular Scottish artist, Rosie Playfair.

Louise Giblin, who studied art and sculpture at Brighton and Chelsea Art College, is a Member of the Royal British Society of Sculptors (MRBS), and her subject matter is the human form. Her models have included well-known politicians, musicians, top sports people, television celebrities, dancers and businessmen. Her sculptures and drawings have been exhibited in London, the USA and Hong Kong.

Rosie Playfair, who is a partner in the Edinburgh PR firm Playfair Walker, graduated from Dundee Art College in Graphic Design. She describes her stylised work as ’design-led’ rather than painterly. Rosie’s work is held in collections in London, Scotland, Paris and St Tropez.

The Urbane Art Gallery, is delighted to be showcasing these artists this summer. Tracey Robertson, gallery director said: ”Louise’s work is really exciting, and she is becoming very well known, not least because her models are prominent figures in themselves. We are very pleased that she has chosen our gallery to show off her talent. Rosie’s work is always popular with our gallery visitors and sells well. We are looking forward to seeing her new work before anyone else does.

”I expect that during the Edinburgh Festival and with Commonwealth Games fever, our gallery will be very very busy – not least because of its location close to Waverley Station and just off the Royal Mile. I am expecting lots of visitors.”

Submitted by Rosemary Walker