A wise man knows his craft: new exhibition at the Museum of Edinburgh

“If pots are to have any character they must be made one by one, like a picture, a garden, or a love letter” – Henry Taylor Wyse

A new exhibition exploring the life, art and legacy of an unsung hero of Scotland’s Arts and Crafts Movement has opened at the Museum of Edinburgh.

‘A Wise Man Knows His Craft: Henry Taylor Wyse and Holyrood Pottery’ brings together the most comprehensive collection of Henry Taylor Wyse pottery ever displayed, together with examples of his fine art, books and other works spanning the late 19th to early 20th centuries.

The exhibition features works from the Museum of Edinburgh’s own collection, complemented by important loans from Wyse’s descendants, public and private collectors.

Councillor Richard Lewis, Edinburgh’s Convener of Culture and Sport said: “The exhibition is going to shine a new light on an often overlooked figure in the history of Scottish arts and crafts. Visitors will be able to get up close to Wyse’s beautifully coloured wares, from tiny egg cups to showstopper vases, while also learning about his workshop and artistic ideals.

“We’re delighted to have the opportunity to work with Wyse’s descendants and important collectors to bring such a wide range of Holyrood Pottery to the public.”

An exhibition on Henry Taylor Wyse opened at the National Trust for Scotland’s Hill House, Helensburgh earlier this month. A book on Henry Taylor Wyse by art historians Elizabeth Cumming and Heather Jack is being published to coincide with the two exhibitions. It will be available from the Museum of Edinburgh shop.

A Wise Man Knows His Craft: Henry Taylor Wyse and Holyrood Pottery runs until 30 October 2016 and admission is free.  A series of family events and a lecture have been arranged to complement the exhibition this summer.  For opening times and further details visit the Council’s Museums & Galleries website.