Category: city centre

Marine: Ian Hamilton Findlay exhibitions open at City Art Centre this Saturday

Marine: Ian Hamilton Finlay
22 May – 3 October 2021 – Free admission, pre-booking essential

Edinburgh’s City Art Centre presents Marine, a two-floor exhibition of artworks by Ian Hamilton Finlay (1925-2006).

Finlay was an internationally renowned Scottish artist and Britain’s most significant concrete poet of the 20th century. Opening on 22 May, this major exhibition focuses on the maritime theme in his work. It was a central element of Finlay’s art, and one to which he returned throughout his life.

Drawn from the artist’s estate and the City Art Centre’s collection, and including loans from the National Galleries of Scotland, Marine: Ian Hamilton Finlay showcases artworks from across several decades, ranging from stone, wood and neon sculptures to tapestry.

The show also features prints, postcards and booklets from Finlay’s Wild Hawthorn Press, capturing Finlay’s interest in nautical themes across a variety of media.

On show, alongside Marine: Ian Hamilton Finlay, will be photographs from the series Ian’s Fleet by Robin Gillanders, which the City Art Centre has recently acquired for its collection.

This sequence of seven black and white photographs capture a fleet of wooden model boats made by Finlay, floating on Lochan Eck, the pond at Little Sparta. Little Sparta is the garden at Stonypath, in the Pentland Hills, where Finlay lived and worked for 40 years and is now considered one of Scotland’s greatest 20th century artworks.

The show is accompanied by an exciting events programme and a catalogue with an insightful essay by Stephen Bann, CBE, Emeritus Professor of History of Art, and Senior Research Fellow at Bristol University.

Marine: Ian Hamilton Finlay has been co-curated with Pia Maria Simig, Executor of the Estate of Ian Hamilton Finlay, and is presented as part of the Edinburgh Art Festival 2021 and Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21.

To coincide with the City Art Centre’s exhibition, the Scottish Poetry Library presents a small display of works by Finlay, drawn from its archive. From Sea to City: Ian Hamilton Finlay runs from 25 May to 9 October 2021.

City Art Centre Curator Maeve Toal said: “The marine theme was an early source of inspiration for Finlay and continued to be a recurring influence throughout his life. Indeed, boats proved to be an inexhaustible subject.

“Taking its title from the earliest work in the exhibition, Marine (1968), this show brings together artworks which span Finlay’s entire artistic output, stretching from the 1960s through to the 2000s.

Councillor Donald Wilson, Edinburgh’s Convener of Culture and Communities said: “We are delighted that the City Art Centre is able to showcase this extensive exhibition of works by Ian Hamilton Finlay.

“Finlay was one of the most versatile artists of his generation. With the assistance of collaborators, Finlay translated his ideas into artworks in a wide range of media. I am sure visitors will be inspired by this diverse body of work.

Councillor Amy McNeese-Mechan, Edinburgh’s Vice Convener of Culture and Communities said: “We’re all very much looking forward to welcoming visitors back when we reopen this weekend and this is another fantastic exhibition to look forward to.

“Marine promises to be a fascinating exhibition and visitors can also enjoy the accompanying programme of events which includes special tours, family craft sessions and talks by Findlay’s collaborators.”

Little Sparta pictures: Andrew Lawson
 

‘Monumental’: Edinburgh’s new skyline revealed as final crane comes down at St James Quarter

Following five years of construction, 17,378 tonnes of steel, and an estimated 2.835m working hours completed – the final crane at St James Quarter has officially been removed, revealing Edinburgh’s skyline to the public.

Since construction began, 13 cranes have shaped the city skyline and played a key role in the construction of the £1bn project. The removal of the final crane marks another celebratory milestone for St James Quarter, which is working towards opening at the end of June.

Reaching peaks of over 88m, the St James Quarter cranes grows almost as tall as the Capital’s iconic Calton Hill and, over the years, became a much-loved fixture of the Edinburgh skyline. The cranes became a local talking point within the city and lit up the sky at night – a permanent lightshow visible from far and wide.

As the final crane is lowered, it signifies another step forward for the long-anticipated opening of one of the most significant UK city centre transformations undertaken in the last decade.

The phase one opening will bring together brands from global to local, combining convenience and luxury with an offering that includes; Zara, Mango, Pull & Bear, Rituals, H&M, Kurt Geiger, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, as well as Dune, Bonnie & Wild, Bross Bagels and Salerno Pizza, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Still to come in the latter phases of the development over the next 18 months will be an enticing mix of more shops, restaurants and bars, a W Edinburgh, a boutique Everyman Cinema, a Roomzzz Aparthotel, New Eidyn residences that will provide 152 premium apartments with exceptional amenities, by developers Native Land, and an unrivalled guest experience providing customers with an enviable events programme in a range of new and attractive public spaces.

Martin Perry, Director of Development at St James Quarter, said: “The removal of our final crane is another monumental moment not only for the team at St James Quarter, but for the City of Edinburgh.

“Our cranes have become a significant addition to Edinburgh’s iconic viewpoints for many years and although many will be sad to see them go, it does mean we’re one step closer to opening our doors next month.

“Our phase one opening is a significant moment in Edinburgh’s history, and we can’t wait to share what lies behind the quarter with the people of Edinburgh and beyond.”

Collective re-opens

All of Collective’s indoor spaces have re-opened!

We’re excited to present new We’re excited to present new exhibition  Boredom>Mischief>Fantasy>Radicalism>Fantasy by Christian Newby in our City Dome (no booking required).

In the Hillside exhibition space, Satellites Programme participant Holly McLean’s film If you get the knees right the rest should follow re-opens (pre-book here).

All of our grounds, shop, takeaway coffee Kiosk, and restaurant The Lookout will also be open so make some plans and let us welcome you back to Calton Hill. Opening hours are 10am-4pm Thurs-Sun throughout May, and 10am-5pm Tues-Sun from 1 June.

Collective’s events programme also resumes this month.

Join us on Zoom, at 7pm on Thursday 20 May, for a screening and discussion with Holly McLean and Frances Stacey on Holly’s evolving series of filmed portraits of women.

On site we are hosting our next Collective PLAY event – Warp/Weft, 22-24 May. Tickets are free but limited and selling fast!

We’re really looking forward to fully opening our doors to visitors again.

Social distancing measures will be in place to keep you safe – if you have any concerns or questions about visiting Collective drop us a line at mail@collective-edinburgh.art

New exhibition to open at City Art Centre next week

Marine: Ian Hamilton Finlay
22 May – 3 October 2021
Free admission, pre-booking essential

Edinburgh’s City Art Centre presents Marine, a two-floor exhibition of artworks by Ian Hamilton Finlay (1925-2006).

Finlay was an internationally renowned Scottish artist and Britain’s most significant concrete poet of the 20th century. Opening on 22 May, this major exhibition focuses on the maritime theme in his work. It was a central element of Finlay’s art, and one to which he returned throughout his life.

Drawn from the artist’s estate and the City Art Centre’s collection, and including loans from the National Galleries of Scotland, Marine: Ian Hamilton Finlay showcases artworks from across several decades, ranging from stone, wood and neon sculptures to tapestry.

The show also features prints, postcards and booklets from Finlay’s Wild Hawthorn Press, capturing Finlay’s interest in nautical themes across a variety of media.

On show, alongside Marine: Ian Hamilton Finlay, will be photographs from the series Ian’s Fleet by Robin Gillanders, which the City Art Centre has recently acquired for its collection.

This sequence of seven black and white photographs capture a fleet of wooden model boats made by Finlay, floating on Lochan Eck, the pond at Little Sparta. Little Sparta is the garden at Stonypath, in the Pentland Hills, where Finlay lived and worked for 40 years and is now considered one of Scotland’s greatest 20th century artworks.

The show is accompanied by an exciting events programme and a catalogue with an insightful essay by Stephen Bann, CBE, Emeritus Professor of History of Art, and Senior Research Fellow at Bristol University.

Marine: Ian Hamilton Finlay has been co-curated with Pia Maria Simig, Executor of the Estate of Ian Hamilton Finlay, and is presented as part of the Edinburgh Art Festival 2021 and Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21.

To coincide with the City Art Centre’s exhibition, the Scottish Poetry Library presents a small display of works by Finlay, drawn from its archive. From Sea to City: Ian Hamilton Finlay runs from 25 May to 9 October 2021.

City Art Centre Curator Maeve Toal said: “The marine theme was an early source of inspiration for Finlay and continued to be a recurring influence throughout his life.

“Indeed, boats proved to be an inexhaustible subject. Taking its title from the earliest work in the exhibition, Marine (1968), this show brings together artworks which span Finlay’s entire artistic output, stretching from the 1960s through to the 2000s.”

Councillor Donald Wilson, Edinburgh’s Convener of Culture and Communities said: “We are delighted that the City Art Centre is able to showcase this extensive exhibition of works by Ian Hamilton Finlay.

“Finlay was one of the most versatile artists of his generation. With the assistance of collaborators, Finlay translated his ideas into artworks in a wide range of media. I am sure visitors will be inspired by this diverse body of work.

Councillor Amy McNeese-Mechan, Edinburgh’s Vice Convener of Culture and Communities said: “We’re all very much looking forward to welcoming visitors back when we reopen this weekend and this is another fantastic exhibition to look forward to.

“Marine promises to be a fascinating exhibition and visitors can also enjoy the accompanying programme of events which includes special tours, family craft sessions and talks by Findlay’s collaborators.”

Behind the Quarter

Never-before-seen footage of St James Quarter

St James Quarter has released a brand-new video taking viewers ‘Behind the Quarter’, with the team at Edinburgh’s game changing development exploring one of the most significant city centre transformations currently underway in the UK.

The video contains exclusive never-before-seen footage of inside St James Quarter, featuring a special behind the scenes sneak peek of the stunning shopping galleria which will host over 80 brands and an enticing mix of restaurant and bars.

The video dives into the history of the site and showcases what is to come for Edinburgh’s new retail-led district.  

The first episode of the Behind the Quarter series features Martin Perry, Director of Development, Nick Peel, Managing Director and Rochelle Burgess, Marketing Director at St James Quarter. 

  • “We spent really the first two years demolishing and then excavating down to the lowest level and then the next two and a half years building back up.” – Martin Perry 
  • “When I look at the quality of the work, it is a cathedral in a world heritage site.” – Nick Peel 
  • “We aren’t a shopping centre, we’re creating this new district.” – Rochelle Weir 

The team discuss the St James Quarter journey so far – from concept to construction, details of the new brands opening next month, and share their thoughts on how the new lifestyle district is set to transform and enhance the city. 

The full video can be streamed here.

To download the teaser content, click here.

Rediscover your love of dining with the Ivy on the Square

The Ivy on the Square welcomes guests back for a ‘Summer of Love’ with bespoke 1960s themed cocktail menu and new summer dishes

The Ivy on the Square is spreading the love as it celebrates its re-opening with a selection of summertime specials.

Launching ‘The Summer of Love’, evocative of the carefree nature of the 1960s, The Ivy on the Square will be serving refreshing limited-edition mocktails, including Across the Universe (£5.75)  featuring fresh mint, lemon and sugar, shaken and topped with chilled Scavi & Ray non-alcoholic prosecco; Free & Easy Spritz (£6.95) which infuses Lyre’s non-alcoholic Italian spritz with pink grapefruit juice, Fever-Tree soda water and Scavi & Ray non-alcoholic prosecco; and the Mai-Tai-Dye (£6.95) mixing Seedlip Grove 42 with Lyre’s non-alcoholic Amaretti, lime and pineapple juice.

For those looking to indulge in The Ivy on the Square’s renowned menu, there will be plenty of refreshing new summer dishes available, including the Garden Pea Risotto (£13.95) served with goat’s cheese, rocket and a baby shoot salad (top), and Côte de Boeuf (£32.95).

An alcoholic cocktail menu will also be available exclusively for those dining outside on the terrace until 10pm, ahead of Scotland’s scheduled move to Tier 2 on 17 May, when cocktails will be able to be enjoyed indoors as well as al fresco.

Chris Greenan, General Manager at The Ivy on the Square added: “We are very excited to be open again, and to be welcoming back our new and returning guests, who we have greatly missed over the last few months.

“Whether you are looking for lunch with friends or dinner with a loved one, there are plenty of delicious options to help you rediscover your love of dining this summer.”

The Ivy on the Square, Edinburgh is now open Monday to Sunday, from 9am. The last indoor booking will be seated at 6.15pm, for guests to depart by 8pm. The brasserie has limited outdoor seating available which will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.

Hamilton & Inches unveils beautifully reimagined showroom

Today (Monday 26 April), Hamilton & Inches is celebrating the reopening of its iconic showroom after undergoing an extensive regeneration.

Dedicated to enhancing the customer experience with work undertaken across its showroom, workshops, and service department, this incredible transformation has kept the building’s historic accents at the heart of the restoration, creating a space that celebrates heritage whilst innovating with contemporary design.

To accentuate the glamour of the new showroom, a striking new store front is clad in Scottish Whintone and sees Hamilton & Inches rejuvenate its original design, by installing curved glass panels set in an antique bronze, with jewellery displayed on a carved breccia marble plinth topped in silk.  

Reinforcing its position as a premiere destination for fine jewellery and luxury watches, the focal point of the newly restored showroom is a hand-crafted silver Ginkgo leaf installation fitted above the diamond bar.

This bespoke element was created on the premises by Hamilton & Inches’ master craftspeople with each silver leaf created to honour the team and history which encases the brand. Alongside the installation, clients will be able to purchase a piece of the limited edition Ginkgo collection compromising of beautifully handcrafted contemporary items.

Working closely with Historic Environment Scotland on the plans, Hamilton & Inches partnered with leading conservation practice Simpson & Brown Architects, and founder of award-winning design practice Waldo Works, Tom Bartlett, to restore and revitalise the five-story Georgian building located at 87 George Street.

Mr Bartlett collaborated with Hamilton & Inches CEO, Victoria Houghton, to hand select Scottish materials and furnishings such as curtains from Sinclairs, a professional Edinburgh based workshop, cushions from renowned designers, Timorous Beasties, and leather used for the service desks from local supplier, Alma Leather to further enrich the space and pay homage to its local roots. 

New interior features, influenced by historic photographs of the Victorian Hamilton & Inches, include a traditional design palette, incorporating leather cladding, bronze framing, walnut trims, and silk linings, reimagined, and reinvented for today.  

Each new element accentuates the ornate historic details of the dramatic Georgian ceiling, alongside chandelier lighting, which creates a generous glow that spills out onto George Street.

Upgrades have also taken place throughout the three floors above the Showroom which continue to be occupied by the team’s master craftspeople and their apprentices, who handcraft bespoke jewellery and silver designs onsite.

Newly installed, stylish service desks throughout the showroom floor will enable clients to access ongoing maintenance for their treasured pieces, within a beautifully curated lifestyle area, situated beside the 19th century Adam fireplace.

The lifestyle area offers clients a space where they can drop in to shop, stay for a cup of coffee, or a glass of champagne. Clients will also have access to a more intimate and discreet shopping experience with the private VIP consultation rooms.

Specialist facilities for watch technicians and valuers at ground and lower level have also seen upgrades, including a state-of-the-art Rolex accredited workshop, as well as an expanded Rolex and Patek Philippe presence across the showroom.

In line with the brands’ sustainable ethos, Hamilton & Inches carefully selected local tradespeople for the showroom project, choosing each for their skills, expertise, and like-minded craftsmanship.

By championing local suppliers and using traditional materials, the handpicked organisations have created a trustworthy assurance of quality, ensuring that the showroom delights Hamilton & Inches’ new and returning customers.

Victoria Houghton, Hamilton & Inches CEO, said: “I’m thrilled to unveil the newly restored showroom. This has been an amazing journey, and everyone including local contractors SJS, local chartered quantity surveyors McLeod & Aitken and bespoke joinery and furniture specialists Laurence McIntosh have worked so hard to bring our vision to life.

“The customer experience has been at the forefront of this project since inception. We incorporated residential elements into a retail environment to achieve an inviting and comfortable atmosphere whilst creating a memorable luxury experience.”

Tom Bartlett, Waldo Works founder, said: “It has been a wonderful experience to work with Hamilton & Inches in creating what I believe is the most beautiful store in Scotland.

“It is rare to work with a client who’s focus from the inception was to reflect the quality and design excellence of their product in the design and construction of this intricate showroom.”

Delivering an authentic and bespoke service, the team at Hamilton & Inches is excited to provide customers once again with an unforgettable experience.

To find out more about Hamilton & Inches and the new showroom opening, visit hamiltonandinches.com.

Lothian Road assault: Do you know these men?

Police in Edinburgh have released CCTV images of 3 males they believe may have information that could assist with ongoing enquiries into an assault which occurred on Lothian Road on Friday 7 August 2020 at around 11.15pm.

It is believed the males pictured will be able to assist the police investigation and they, or anyone who recognises them, is asked to come forward.

Police Constable Kieran Keddie from Gayfield CID said: “We are appealing for anyone who can help us locate these males to get in touch with us. Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or make an anonymous report through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

St James Quarter and FUSE launch free training academy for job seekers

FUSE aims to help inspire the next generation of retail and hospitality

Future leaders of retail and hospitality can broaden their skills and knowledge as St James Quarter and FUSE team up to create their first ever virtual training academy – open to anyone currently out of work or looking for a job in retail and hospitality.

Throughout May, The FUSE Academy will host the top names in retail and hospitality, who will share the secrets of carving out a successful career in the industry. Each inspiring and informative session is free to attend and will give expert insight as well as providing valuable training tips for interviewing and creating the perfect CV.

Working with partners across Edinburgh, St James Quarter launched FUSE to provide a high-quality recruitment and training service for the 3,000 jobs it will bring to Scotland when its doors open in June. As well as finding the suitable candidates for each role, FUSE focuses on developing careers by offering training and providing people with opportunities to achieve accredited qualifications. 

St James Quarter Managing Director Nick Peel (above) and Retail Director Gill Moore (below) will kick off the virtual FUSE Academy with an inspiring and in-depth look at their careers and previous roles, which include senior positions at Arsenal Football Club, Rangers Football Club and Harvey Nichols Middle East.

FUSE Manager Calum Nicol, who will co-host the CV workshop session, said: “FUSE is about more than filling roles, it’s about finding the right job for the right person and allowing people to carve out successful careers.

“At FUSE we pride ourselves on helping job seekers not only find work but expand their career prospects by connecting them to courses and accredited qualifications. The FUSE Academy is the perfect way to discover career opportunities and expand your own skillset by learning from some of the biggest names in Scottish retail and hospitality.”

As well as featuring speakers from FUSE and Fair Start Scotland, The FUSE Academy will also welcome experts from some of the biggest brands opening at St James Quarter, including Bross Bagels, Bonnie and Wild and the PVH Group, who represent Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger.

St James Quarter Marketing and Brand Director, Rochelle Burgess, who will be part of The FUSE Academy’s Expert Panel discussion, is delighted to be involved in the virtual training sessions.

She said: “As someone who started out working on the shopfloor, I am so pleased to be able to share my experiences from my career so far.

“There is a common misconception that there are limited career opportunities within retail and hospitality, but The FUSE Academy will dispel those myths, while allowing those who attend to gain valuable CV and interview skills.

“The jobs that St James Quarter brings will have a positive impact on Edinburgh and could also be the first step in a new career for someone, that legacy is something that really excites me.”

The FUSE Academy begins on 6 May, with each 45-minute session covering a different topic each Thursday, throughout the month.

To register, please visit www.edinburghfuse.com/events

The FUSE Academy schedule:

Thursday, 6 May Session One: My Career in Retail – registration

Thursday, 13 May Session Two: CV Workshop – registration

Thursday, 20 May Session Three: Interview Masterclass – registration

Thursday, 27 May Session Four: Expert Brand Panel – registration

Thumbs up for city council’s George Street plans

Bold plans for the transformation of Edinburgh’s historic George Street would encourage more people to visit the area, according to a public survey.

More than 650 people responded to the survey on final proposed concept designs for the George Street and First New Town Public Realm Improvements Project, which were unveiled in February.

These include significantly widened pavements, landscaped spaces for play and relaxation and a cycling thoroughfare, where motor traffic is largely removed, to create a people-friendly setting.  
 
Two thirds (66%) of respondents said they would be more likely to return to the street as a result of the improvements, with shopping, window shopping and socialising in bars and restaurants amongst the top reasons for spending time there.
 
When asked about modes of travel, only 13% said they would drive to the New Town in future, with 67% saying they’d walk, 44% would cycle and 58% opting for the bus. Participants also suggested how they would like to see the redesigned street’s open spaces to be animated – preferences included public art, community events and small markets.

Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “These concept designs for George Street build on years of engagement with local people, businesses and active travel and mobility organisations, so I’m delighted with the positive response we’ve had from these very groups, along with the general public.
 
“Our vision for this street is a relaxed, open and accessible space, where people want to spend time, visit local shops, restaurants and cafes and enjoy the unique historic setting. Feedback so far has demonstrated that our plans will encourage people to do just that, as well as choosing to travel there by foot, bike or public transport.”

Councillor Karen Doran, Transport and Environment Vice Convener, said: “It was really exciting to see plans for this iconic part of the city brought to life earlier this year, and I know lots of people enjoyed watching the animated videos and imagining how they could enjoy the street in future.

“Now, thanks to feedback gathered over recent months we’ll be able to refine designs before moving forward with the project and delivering the many benefits it will bring.”

Concept designs for George Street result from several years of development and engagement to refine design objectives with the public and stakeholders, including community councils and heritage, business, walking, cycling and accessibility groups. 
 
In February and March further engagement involved key groups, while the public were invited to see the designs for themselves and tell us how they might enjoy a revitalised George Street through the online survey and interactive virtual events.

Feedback from organisations like Living Streets, Edinburgh Access Panel, Spokes, Edinburgh World Heritage and New Town and Broughton Community Council has been broadly supportive of proposals, while the majority of residents and businesses told us they found engagement sessions useful. 
 
Issues raised during the engagement period, which will require further exploration as the project progresses, include the scale of greening/planting on the street, servicing hours for businesses and taxi access in the evenings. 
 
Feedback gathered will inform a final iteration of the design proposal before being brought to Transport and Environment Committee in June. The required statutory processes under which the scheme will be constructed would begin this autumn.
 
A report summarising the results of engagement was considered by Transport and Environment Committee as part of its Business Bulletin yesterday (Thursday, 22 April).

Find out more about the George Street and First New Town Public Realm Improvements Project online.