During Edinburgh’s cultural melee in August, it can be a relief to find quieter venues; places to calmly absorb the arts. Patriothall, a ‘stalwart’ of the Wasps network of art studios, in Stockbridge is an excellent example of this.
Founded in 1984 and refurbished in 2004, I suspect that thousands pass by it every week without knowing it’s there. Tucked away in a courtyard between Hamilton Place and the boutique-laden St Stephen Street, entrance is via a wide but unprepossessing pend.
Even as you reach the courtyard you are uncertain where you are heading; your eyes caught by the U-shaped housing development of deck tenement with their neat balconies, supported by ornamental metal brackets. You have to turn the further corner to find your goal, a tall red bricked building tucked away in a corner; the way into the building is through a vivid orange door. This former factory and Bakery is a reminder that this area was once industrial, as well as artistic.
During August they have been hosting a small exhibition, Artists at Patriothall, showing some ‘snippets’ of the work being carried out by artists based at the studios.
In line with the calming feel of this slightly hidden nook, rural and coastal themes dominate the work being exhibited. Titles such as ‘Windswept’, Forest and Shadows’, ‘Nightwood’ and ‘Summers Day, St. Andrews’, give more than an inkling as to the contents of the exhibition. Artists at Patriothall includes a range of artwork – ceramics, jewellery, mosaic, painting, print and mixed-media.
Works by over 30 Edinburgh artists are being shown in what was once was once the Co-op’s bakery. Prints are available to purchase.
This coming weekend (August 23rd & 24th), Patriothall will be hosting one of their regular Open Studios events. These allow members of the public to see the artists at work in the studios, and discuss their creative process. This provides a great opportunity to see work in progress, and to see the varied studios in which artists work, from the ultra-minimalist, to those packed with materials and sources of inspiration.
Artists at Patriothall is open from 11am – 5pm daily until August 24th.
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/artists-at-patriothall
