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

Holyrood Pottery Japanese influenced vase with leaping carp, on display at Museum of Edinburgh

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.”

Holyrood Pottery powder glaze vase with Celtic cross on base, on display at Museum of Edinburgh

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.

Extract from Henry Taylor Wyse manuscript prepared in 1943, on loan from a private collection

Money matters: finance ministers meet today

Devolved administrations to discuss Brexit impact

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Finance ministers from the three devolved administrations in the UK are holding talks today to discuss the implications of the Brexit vote.

Scottish Government Finance Secretary Derek Mackay will travel to Cardiff to meet with his counterparts from Wales and Northern Ireland, Mark Drakeford and Máirtín Ó Muilleoir.

The ministers will discuss concerns around the impact of the vote on public finances and on future funding streams.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Mr Mackay said: “I firmly believe that membership of the European Union is in the best interests of Scotland and I am deeply concerned about the impact the Brexit vote could have on Scotland.

“No-one can be clear on the likely impact of Brexit on UK Government finances, and we are already seeing the UK Government suggest changes to future spending plans. It is clear that there are significant issues and challenges ahead.

“In these uncertain times, it is important that the three devolved administrations work closely together and I am determined to continue to explore all options to secure Scotland’s interests and our place in Europe.”

Continue reading Money matters: finance ministers meet today

Police Scotland Open Day at Fettes

Saturday 23 July 11am – 2pm

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We are delighted to announce that Edinburgh Division is holding an open day. There will be demonstrations and displays from all kinds of specialist units like our Marine Unit, Roads Policing and the Dog Unit … to name but a few!

The event is being held thanks to support from Lothian Buses who will be there on the day and it is open to everyone.

The Open Day will take place on Saturday 23rd July between 11am and 2pm at Fettes Police Station, 5 Fettes Avenue in Edinburgh.

Numerous other partner agencies are also getting involved. Mountain rescue, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, RNLI and 6VT youth café will all be amongst the fun, ready and willing to chat to you about what they do in our community.

Edinburgh Rugby and the British Army will also be there providing activities for any willing volunteers.

Also in attendance will be the Edinburgh Police Choir, which is made up of serving and retired officers, as well as members recruited through the local community.

The choir has performed at some prestigious events, including Edinburgh’s ‘Street of Light’ on the High Street during the festive period… Music to your ears?! You don’t want to miss them!

So, to find out more about what we do on a daily basis, get some crime prevention advice, see how we work with other agencies or generally just come and meet some of the people from all of these wonderful organisations, we look forward to seeing you on the 23rd!

Police Scotland Edinburgh Division

Bees’ needs? Just food and a home!

There are five simple actions you can take to help make our environment more friendly for bees, butterflies, moths and other insect pollinators, says DEFRA:

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Did you know here are at least 1500 species of insect pollinators in the UK? These are insects that help plants reproduce by carrying pollen from flower to flower as they feed. They include bumblebees, honey bees, solitary bees, hoverflies, wasps, flies, beetles, butterflies and moths. Continue reading Bees’ needs? Just food and a home!

David Drysdale funeral arrangements

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Further to our last email about the sad loss of David Drysdale, who founded Fathers Network Scotland and Year of the Dad, we wanted let you about his funeral arrangements.

The funeral will take place on Friday 15 July at 4:00pm at the Lorimer Chapel, Warriston Crematorium and afterwards at David’s beloved Hibernian Football Club – full details can be found here.

David’s impact on the world has been truly exceptional with hundreds of friends and colleagues paying tribute to him. We are anticipating many people wanting to come together to celebrate his life, so if you wish to attend could you please RSVP here so suitable arrangements can be made.

Kindest wishes from all of the Fathers Network Team

Let’s be clear: award for Port of Leith Housing Association

Crystal clear communication from PoLHA 

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Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) has been awarded two Crystal Marks on behalf of the Plain English Campaign for its Customer Engagement and Antisocial Behaviour leaflets. Continue reading Let’s be clear: award for Port of Leith Housing Association

Have your say on Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site

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Members of the public are invited to have their say in how the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site should be run.  The consultation will gather feedback for the three organisations who manage the site – The City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh World Heritage, and Historic Environment Scotland, and closes at the end of July. Continue reading Have your say on Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site

Major new exhibition to open at City Art Centre

Exhibition features works by William Gillies and John Maxwell

John Maxwell: Vase of Flowers (Yellow and Orange)

This summer the City Art Centre stages William Gillies & John Maxwell, a major new exhibition exploring two of the best-loved Scottish artists of the 20th century.

The exhibition features over 70 artworks and archival objects displayed across two floors of the gallery. It includes drawings and paintings from the City Art Centre’s own collection, supplemented by loans from the Royal Scottish Academy of Art & Architecture, the University of Edinburgh Art Collection and several private lenders.

At the heart of the exhibition is the Fletcher Collection, a group of 43 artworks that has been on long-term loan to the City Art Centre since 1995. This is the first time in over 20 years that the Fletcher Collection has been displayed together in its entirety.

Councillor Richard Lewis, Edinburgh’s Convener of Culture and Sport, said: “This is a rare opportunity to see some of the finest artworks by William Gillies and John Maxwell – two very distinctive Scottish artists.  This exhibition is particularly exciting considering the Fletcher Collection is being shown together for the first time in 20 years.”

The exhibition is timed to coincide with the 2016 Edinburgh Art Festival. Entry is free of charge and further information is given below:

William Gillies & John Maxwell
30 July – 23 October 2016
City Art Centre, Edinburgh
Free Admission

William Gillies and John Maxwell were among the most significant and distinctive Scottish artists of the 20th century. Gillies is best known for his tonal Borders landscapes, spontaneous Highland watercolours and carefully constructed still life compositions, while Maxwell is remembered for his expressive, dream-like depictions of creatures, flowers and timeless nudes. The two artists pursued differing approaches in their work, and had contrasting personalities, but remained life-long friends.

Gillies and Maxwell met at Edinburgh College of Art in the early 1920s. After completing their studies both received travelling scholarships, which enabled them to live and work in Paris and encounter avant-garde movements like Post-Impressionism and Cubism. As they matured they developed in different creative directions, yet their lives continued to interweave as they travelled, exhibited and socialised together. Both joined the staff at Edinburgh College of Art, and while Gillies’ teaching career was longer than Maxwell’s, each of them proved to be a considerable influence on the next generation of Scottish painters.

William Gillies: Highland Landscape