Turquerie: An 18th Century European Fantasy. As part of the Liotard series of talks, Haydn Williams, an expert on the decorative arts and former Director of the Objects of Vertu department at Sotheby’s, explores the artistic phenomenon known as Turquerie, which captured the imagination of the courts of Europe in the 18th century. Travellers’ accounts of the Ottoman lands, translations of works such as One Thousand and One Nights, and the magnificent spectacle of Ottoman ambassadors and their retinues were among the catalysts that inspired this whimsical fantasy. Haydn Williams will discuss how turquerie manifested itself in the arts – from painting, architecture, and interiors to the theatre – across Europe. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed. The Jean-Etienne Liotard exhibition opened at the National Gallery on 4th July 2015, and Mary-Ann Stevens’ Opening Lecture will take place on Thursday 9th July: see listing.
Traditional Tales: a summer season of traditional tales from Scotland. Authentic entertainment and insight, bringing you the truths, the myths and the legends of Scottish folklore, past and present; this week’s storyteller is Calum Lykan. For ages 12+. 3-4pm, Library, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Tickets cost £6.50/£4.50 and are available from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 556 9579 or online here. Also at same time on Wednesday 8th and Thursday 9th July 2015, and Tuesday-Thursday each subsequent week in July. Next week’s storyteller will be Senga Munro.
Mist, Mud and Midges: an exhibition featuring a collection of new works from four gallery artists, Newton Ross, Jean Gillespie, Lee Ritchie and Erik Petrie, who have taken inspiration from locations across the country. 11am-5pm, Tuesday to Saturday, The Gallery on the Corner, Northumberland Street. Ends 30th July 2015. The Gallery on the Corner is a commercial art gallery and studio providing a platform to exhibit and sell artwork produced by artists who have a physical or mental health condition: it was the first social firm developed by Autism Ventures Scotland.
Minibeast Magic: 2-3.30pm, Water of Leith Conservation Trust, 24 Lanark Road. £4 per child, accompanying adult free. Booking is essential and may be made by calling the Visitor Centre on 0131 455 7367 or emailing admin@waterofleith.org.uk.
Picturehouses Silver Screen: if you are over 60, join the Silver Screen club for discounted tickets and free tea, coffee and biscuits at these special screenings. Today’s films are Amy (15) showing at 1pm and 3.45pm, Slow West (15) showing at 1.30pm and 4pm, The Third Man (PG) showing at 1.15pm and Mr Holmes (PG) showing at 3.35pm, Cameo, Home Street. Tickets cost £5 for members of the club and may be purchased in person, by calling the Box Office on 0871 902 5723 or online: please ask at the Box Office for details of how to join the club (it’s free). Others are welcome to attend these screenings, but will pay standard ticket prices.
Last of the Privateers + Monticule: Edinburgh-based indie-folk band Last of the Privateers bring a unique mix of soaring brass solos, chunky electric guitar riffs and huge multi-part harmonies to the Cellar Bar. Supported by Monticule, who blend their contemporary songs and direction with the old blues heritage. (Plus third act TBC). 7.30pm-1am, Henry’s Cellar Bar, 16 Morrison Street. Admission £5 on the door.
Golden Hare Book Group: this month the group will read one of the most highly praised books of the last 12 months, Ali Smith’s multi-award winning How To Be Both. 6.30pm, Golden Hare Books, St Stephen Street, Stockbridge. All welcome. Next month’s book will be All the Birds, Singing by Evie Wyld.
Picturehouse Discover Tuesdays: the best in new and topical documentaries covering issues from around the world. This week’s film is Into the Clouds We Gaze (15), ‘a beautifully shot observational film from established Czech documentarian Martin Dusek, this riveting study of a proud petrolhead living in Bohemia, and the culture of aimless Czech youth around him, combines shrewd observation and haunting imagery to paint a portrait of a very specific lifestyle and place in time’. 6pm, Cameo, Home Street. Tickets may be purchased in person, by calling the Box Office on 0871 902 5723 or online here: prices vary.
Leith Folk Club: Mount Juliet. Edinburgh musicians Hannah O’Reilly and Roy Henderson, with support from Caro Bridges. 7.30pm, Victoria Park House Hotel, 221 Ferry Road. Tickets cost £7 and may be purchased online here or by texting the club’s reservation number: 07502 024 852.
