Although he is not so old Crime writer Ian Rankin is now a museum piece.
At the Writers’ Museum on Lady Stair’s Close there is an exhibition of some of his personal items such as manuscripts on display.
Rankin is now feted alongside Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns and Robert Louis Stevenson to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his much-loved but curmudgeonly character, Detective Inspector Rebus.
Co-curated between the author and the Museum, Rebus30 explores the relationship between Rankin and his character, and both men’s connections with Edinburgh’s places, people and history.
Doors open to the free exhibition today for RebusFest – a weekend of literature, music, art and film in Rebus’s hometown of Edinburgh.
In the Rebus30 exhibition, Ian Rankin writes: “I don’t think the Rebus novels could be set anywhere else – they really are about Edinburgh.
“I still haven’t got to the bottom of what makes Edinburgh tick or what makes it a unique setting. It just seems to be a place that has influenced writers, and continues to nurture writers.”
Edinburgh’s Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Donald Wilson, said: “Celebrating 30 years of Edinburgh’s favourite super sleuth, RebusFest delves into the murky underworld of Inspector Rebus and the imaginative mind of his maker.
“Over three decades, Rebus has evolved into one of the nation’s most familiar fictional figures; as ingrained in popular culture as Miss Jean Brodie or Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
“This free exhibition at our Writers’ Museum explores how such characters and their creators have inspired Ian Rankin and his relationship with Rebus. I am delighted we are hosting it here in the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature and in the heart of the city Rankin and his detective call home.”
Gillian Findlay, Curatorial and Engagement Manager of the City of Edinburgh Council’s Museums, added: “It has been incredible to scratch below the surface of the Rebus stories for this very personal display at the Writers’ Museum.
“Celebrating the connections between Rankin’s characters and the city, Rebus30 features manuscripts and personal items interpreted by the author in his own words as he reflects on three decades of writing.
“We are very thankful to Ian Rankin for opening up his heart and creative mind for RebusFest and for allowing us to produce this fascinating display.”
Rebus30 at the Writers’ Museum is open 30 June 2017 until 21 January 2018.
RebusFest is produced in association with Edinburgh International Book Festival, and supported by Waterstones, National Museums of Scotland, City of Literature Trust, Edinburgh International Film Festival, Highland Park, Queen’s Hall, Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh The Caledonian, and the City of Edinburgh Council through the Writers’ Museum, City Art Centre and Assembly Rooms. Find the programme at https://www.ianrankin.net/rebusfest/
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
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