Tag: City Art Centre

City Art Centre to present biggest-ever exhibition of acclaimed printmaker Ade Adesina

ADE ADESINA: BARD

7 NOVEMBER 2026 – 11 APRIL 2027

A major exhibition bringing together 15 years of work by Aberdeen-based artist Ade Adesina will open on Saturday (7 November 2026).

City Art Centre will present the biggest exhibition of work to date by acclaimed printmaker Ade Adesina, bringing together an expansive collection of his monumental linocuts, etchings and woodcuts.

Born in Nigeria in 1980 and now based in Aberdeen, Adesina explores urgent global themes, including climate change and colonial histories, drawing on the past and present to imagine possible futures. His work carefully balances beauty with a darker undercurrent, revealing the impact of human intervention on the natural world.

Informed by his African roots, his experiences of British culture and his extensive global travels, Adesina’s practice is deeply rooted in the traditions of Fine Art printmaking. At first glance, his works may appear to be classical landscapes or still lifes. However, closer inspection reveals complex narratives and richly layered iconography, inviting visitors to look beyond the surface and discover the stories within.

The exhibition, titled Bard, includes new works created especially for the show. It offers visitors an opportunity to experience the breadth and ambition of an artist whose distinctive approach to printmaking explores the complex relationship between humanity and the natural world.

Running until Sunday 11 April 2027, the exhibition is presented as part of RSA200: Celebrating Together, marking the occasion through a showcase of contemporary artistic practice and the work of one of Scotland’s leading printmakers.

Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “We are delighted to welcome this major exhibition by Ade Adesina to the City Art Centre. As one of the most significant showcases of his work to date, Bard offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the extraordinary scale and detail of his printmaking.

“Ade’s work addresses some of the most pressing issues of our time, from climate change to colonial history. It is an ambitious and thought-provoking exhibition which celebrates the diversity of artistic talent in Scotland – well worth a visit!”

 Ade Adesina said: “I’m delighted to present ‘Bard’ at Edinburgh’s City Art Centre, a place that holds special significance for me.

“It was one of the first galleries I visited as an art student, and I remember being so overwhelmed by the quality of the work on display that I questioned whether I could ever make it as an artist. To return now with my own exhibition feels particularly meaningful.

“On a personal level, this body of work brings back memories of different times in my life and the ups and downs of trying to build a career as an artist. Each piece holds something of the circumstances in which it was made: the doubts, setbacks, discoveries and moments of joy. Seeing these works together allows me to reflect on that journey and the experiences that have shaped both my life and my practice.

“Printmaking is the medium I have chosen to tell stories through landscapes and still life, bringing together places, events, memories and imagined worlds. My work reflects on our relationship with nature and the histories that shape us, preserving memories and recording experiences while drawing connections between different cultures and environments. Presenting these stories in Edinburgh, a city with such a rich storytelling tradition, feels especially fitting.

“I hope visitors will find their own connections within these images and discover something new each time they look. Above all, I hope someone beginning their own creative journey visits this exhibition and leaves feeling encouraged to keep going, even when the path ahead feels uncertain. It’s hard, but it’s possible.”

Curator Stuart Fallon said: “Ade Adesina is one of the most important printmakers working in Scotland today.

“The exhibition showcases Ade’s incredible skill, and dedication to the medium – including epic landscapes and intricate still lifes in linocut, woodcut and etching. We’re very pleased to bring together the largest survey of Ade’s remarkable work to date, including over 60 works, spanning 15 years of his career.”

City Art Centre showcases most recent additions to Fine Art collection

Gifted: New Acquisitions at the City Art Centre presents a selection of historical and contemporary Scottish artworks recently received as donations and bequests.

The City of Edinburgh’s Fine Art collection charts the history of the visual arts in Scotland from the 17th century to the present day.

Containing more than 5,000 individual artworks, the collection continues to grow every year, with new acquisitions filling historical gaps and introducing contemporary talents. Many of these artworks are generously donated by artists, cultural organisations and members of the public.

Gifted reveals over 50 recent gifts and bequests, ranging from 19th century oil paintings to modern-day artists’ prints. The exhibition explores the stories behind each acquisition, celebrating donors and their important role in developing the Fine Art collection.

Over 40 different artists feature in the new exhibition, including: Victoria Crowe, Agnes Miller Parker, Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, John Bellany, Jessie M. King, Robert Blomfield, David Cass, Gareth Fisher, Tess Glen, Bet Low, Will Maclean, Caroline McNairn, Robin Philipson and Willie Rodger.

Among the highlights are Jessie M. King’s exquisite Art Nouveau drawing Fraunchyse (c.1907), Robin Philipson’s colourful still life Poppies on a Gold Ground (1984), and a group of miniature scenes painted on found objects by contemporary artist David Cass.

Cllr Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: Edinburgh’s art collection tells a remarkable story of Scotland’s creative talent, made possible in large part through the generosity of those who have gifted works to the city.

“From drawing and painting to photography and sculpture, the collection reflects the richness and diversity of Scottish art.

“This exhibition gives residents and visitors the chance to experience works by artists such as Victoria Crowe up close, and to enjoy them completely free of charge.”

Curator Dr Helen Scott (pictured top) said: “Over the last few years, we’ve been really fortunate to receive so many wonderful artworks as donations and bequests to the Fine Art collection.

 “Some pieces have been gifted by artists themselves, while others have been offered by cultural organisations and members of the public. Such generosity allows us to increase the breadth and depth of the collection, sharing artworks in the public domain that might otherwise never be seen.

“Many of these artworks are being displayed here for the first time since their arrival. I’m really looking forward to visitors discovering them, and perhaps even finding a new personal favourite.“

Gifted: New Acquisitions at the City Art Centre opens on Saturday 12 September 2026 and continues until 6 June 2027. Admission is free. 

New exhibition explores the past, present and future of North Bridge

As part of the City Art Centre’s free Summer Exhibition programme, we tell the story of the iconic North Bridge through film, historic artworks and objects uncovered during its recent restoration.

Running from Saturday 18 July until Sunday 13 September 2026, Study for North Bridge is a new film by artists Rachel McBrinn and Jonathan Webb. Created during the bridge’s restoration, it offers a fresh perspective on one of Edinburgh’s best-known landmarks ahead of its reopening in August.

Commissioned by the City of Edinburgh Council as part of the North Bridge restoration programme, the film explores not only how the bridge has been repaired, but also how we care for and remember the places that shape our city.

Following the restoration as it unfolds, the film combines real-life footage with imagined scenes to ask how today’s events become tomorrow’s history. Through the voice of a fictional art historian looking back from the future, it encourages visitors to think about how stories are recorded, preserved, and retold over time.

The title, Study for North Bridge, refers to the sketches artists often make while developing a final work. In the same way, the film focuses on the work in progress rather than the finished bridge, revealing the people, processes and hidden details that are normally out of sight.

Alongside the film, visitors can see original pieces removed from the bridge during restoration, displayed with paintings and other artworks from the City of Edinburgh’s Fine Art Collection that show North Bridge over the past 300 years.

The exhibition is accompanied by a programme of guided walking tours, delivered in partnership with Invisible Cities.

Beginning and ending at the City Art Centre, the tours explore the people, places and stories that have shaped North Bridge, bringing the exhibition to life in the streets around it.

Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “North Bridge is one of Edinburgh’s most important civic landmarks and has connected communities across the city for more than 130 years.

“As we look forward to the bridge reopening this summer, this exhibition offers a fascinating opportunity to reflect not only on the engineering achievement of its restoration, but also on the stories, memories and meanings attached to the structure.”

New exhibition celebrates the life and legacy of Edinburgh photographer Sandra George

This summer, the City Art Centre will present Start from the Level, the largest exhibition ever staged of the work of Sandra George (1957–2013).

Start from the Level is produced in partnership with Craigmillar Now, an arts and heritage centre based in Craigmillar, who hold Sandra’s collection in their community archive, and is part of the Edinburgh Art Festival.

Opening on 27 June and running until 27 September 2026, the exhibition brings together photographs spanning more than two decades, many of which will be shown publicly for the first time. Drawn from Sandra’s extensive archive, the exhibition offers a powerful portrait of Edinburgh’s communities and explores themes of identity, activism, motherhood, belonging, and social justice.

Born in Nottingham and raised between Jamaica and the UK before settling in Edinburgh, she became widely known for her work as a community organiser and advocate. Alongside this, she developed a prolific photographic practice, documenting everyday life across Edinburgh and beyond from the late 1970s through to the early 2000s.

Through her lens, she captured both intimate personal moments and wider social movements, creating a remarkable visual record of the city and the people who shaped it. Her photographs are united by a deep sense of humanity and a commitment to representing people with dignity, openness, and care.

The exhibition takes its title from Sandra’s own words: her desire to “start from the level people are based”. This guiding principle informed her work throughout her life, resulting in an extraordinary body of photography that remains as relevant and resonant today as ever.

Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: “Sandra George’s photographs offer an invaluable record of Edinburgh and its communities, seen through the eyes of someone deeply committed to social justice, equality, and human connection.

“This landmark exhibition celebrates not only her extraordinary talent as a photographer, but also her lasting contribution to the cultural and community life of our city.

“We are proud to bring this important body of work to audiences and ensure that Sandra’s legacy continues to inspire future generations.”

In addition to the exhibition at City Art Centre, a special outdoor presentation of Sandra’s work will be displayed on street-side billboard and poster sites across Edinburgh from 22 June for three weeks in partnership with BuildHollywood.

Featuring photographs taken throughout the city, the displays will appear in Fountain Park, Teviot and Meadowbank, bringing George’s images directly into the public spaces she documented.

Find out more on the Culture Edinburgh website.

City Art Centre reveals new exhibition by Michael Fullerton

The City Art Centre presents the new exhibition by Michael Fullerton (b.1971), whose work spans painting, printmaking, and sculpture, from Saturday 22 November 2025 to Sunday 1 March 2026.

Known for his focus on portraiture, Fullerton engages with complex figures, exposes socio-political power dynamics, and brings to light hidden or forgotten histories. His practice brings attention to overlooked individuals, often connecting disparate ideas and images to form new meanings.

For this exhibition, Fullerton presents a new series of paintings created following his time living and working at the Hilltop Hotel in Carlisle. At the time, the hotel was used as accommodation for people seeking asylum in the UK.

While employed there, first as a general assistant and later in the kitchen, Fullerton developed close relationships with members of the community who hailed from various countries. The resulting portraits reflect these encounters, giving visibility to people and stories often absent from public view.

Alongside these new works, the exhibition includes a selection of prints spanning more than 20 years of Fullerton’s career. Working primarily with silkscreen on newsprint, he has used printmaking as both an extension and counterpoint to his painting, exploring the medium’s capacity for mass-production.

To accompany the exhibition, Fullerton has produced a new commissioned screenprint. His reinterpretation of John Thomson’s ‘Abbotsford, The Home of Sir Walter Scott’ (1828) considers the continuing influence of Romanticism and the legacies of Thomson and Scott in shaping ideas of Scottish national identity.

Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: “Edinburgh’s cultural institutions are central to our city’s identity, and exhibitions like this remind us of the importance of art in helping us understand the world around us.

“I’m delighted that the City Art Centre continues to champion artists who contribute to Scotland’s vibrant and inclusive culture, and Michael Fullerton’s work speaks directly to this by exploring themes of identity and socio-political power dynamics, and the way we tell and preserve our stories.

“By drawing attention to people and experiences that are often overlooked, his work encourages us to reflect on belonging and the shared humanity that connects us all.”

Curator Stuart Fallon said: “Michael is an artist who asks important questions in new ways, inviting his audiences to deeply consider, or reconsider, the subjects of his works.

“Alongside, the display of his print archive brings together an extraordinary body of work created over 25 years. Together they showcase the practice of one of the most significant Scottish artists of his generation.”

Tickets are £5.00 and are available to purchase online.

Free concessionary or discounted entry tickets can only be purchased on the day of the visit, from the reception desk at the City Art Centre.

City Art Centre: Messy Masterpieces!

We have a series of family free drop-in workshops over the summer at the City Art Centre.

Join us on Wed 6 August 10.30am – 12.30pm.

Messy Masterpieces

Creative Workshop for families to accompany the exhibition Out of Chaos: Post-War Scottish Art 1945-2000

https://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/…/messy-masterpieces

Out of Chaos: Post-War Scottish Art 1945-2000 at City Art Centre

The post-war era was a period of seismic shifts – political and social, scientific and cultural. Emerging from the events of the Second World War, communities lived with the legacies of conflict while looking ahead to the future.

Contemporary artists responded to these changing times, addressing both traditional and modern themes in their work as they pushed the boundaries of creativity. By the end of the century, the artistic landscape was entirely transformed.

Scheduled to complement John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture, this survey exhibition examines the wider context of post-war Scottish art. Charting the years between the late 1940s and late 1990s, it showcases evolving approaches to figurative and landscape subjects, the growth of abstraction and pop art, and the development of new media. Out of Chaos presents a range of artworks from the City Art Centre’s permanent collection, featuring key pieces by William Johnstone, Joan Eardley, Eduardo Paolozzi, Ian Hamilton Finlay, Elizabeth Blackadder and Maud Sulter.

Events Programme

ADULT CREATIVE WORKSHOPS

Saturday 28 June, 10.30am – 3.30pm – Joyful Still Lives inspired by Elizabeth Blackadder

Saturday 27 September, 10.30am – 3.30pm – Expressive Landscape Paintings inspired by the work of Joan Eardley

DESCRIBED TOURS AND BSL TOURS

Friday 4 July, 2pm – 3pm – BSL signed Tour of Out of Chaos: Post-War Scottish Art 1945-2000

Friday 19 September, 2pm – 3pm – Described Tour for Blind and Partially Sighted Visitors of Out of Chaos: Post-War Scottish Art 1945-2000
 

LECTURES AND TALKS

Friday 26 September, 2pm – 3pm – Post War Edinburgh

Tickets on sale for John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture

Major exhibition to feature over 80 works, including never-before-seen sketchbooks

Tickets are now on sale for John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture, opening on Saturday 31 May.

The exhibition offers the public a rare opportunity to view over 80 works by one of Scotland’s most celebrated artists. Many of these works, including a selection of Bellany’s private sketchbooks, will be displayed publicly for the first time.

Curated by Bellany’s close friends and colleagues, Bill Hare and Sandy Moffat, the exhibition spans five decades of the artist’s prolific career from the 1960s until 2013. Over two floors of the City Art Centre, this captivating exhibition invites visitors into Bellany’s world through the lens of his own self-exploration.

John Bellany was one of the most prolific and fearless self-portraitists in history, obsessively documenting his own image throughout his lifetime. From his early student studies in the 1960s to the epic pictorial narratives of his later years, Bellany’s works reveal the artist’s complex relationship with himself, his identity, and the world around him.

A particularly special element of the show is the inclusion of Bellany’s sketchbooks, personal visual diaries kept throughout his life, now generously loaned by his family. This is the first time they will be on public view.

Culture and Communities Convener Cllr Margaret Graham said: “This exhibition promises to be real highlight of the year.

“It is a great privilege to bring such a collection together and for many of the works to be brought into the public eye for the first time. It will offer visitors a fresh perspective on a much-acclaimed giant in Scottish art who was born in East Lothian.”

Curator Sandy Moffat, said: “The exhibition will feature a number of works which have never been shown before including sketch books, drawings from his student days and his last self portraits, offering a unique opportunity to see these works for the very first time.“

The exhibition is accompanied by a publication featuring a foreword by Helen Bellany and essays by curators Bill Hare and Sandy Moffat.

In addition to the exhibition, a rich programme of events has been developed to offer deeper insights into the artist’s work, his personal life, and his ongoing legacy.

City Art Centre exhibition explores Scottish art in the wake of war

Out of Chaos: Post-War Scottish Art 1945 – 2000
17 May 2025 – 12 October 2025
Free Admission

Duncan, John; Tristan and Isolde; City of Edinburgh Council; http://www.artuk.org/artworks/tristan-and-isolde-93241

Opening this month, the City Art Centre presents Out of Chaos: Post-War Scottish Art 1945 – 2000, a compelling new exhibition that charts the story of Scottish art in the tumultuous years following the Second World War.

Featuring over 60 works—paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, and photographs—the exhibition draws exclusively from the City Art Centre’s acclaimed collection of Scottish art.

The exhibition brings together work from some of the most significant artists of the period, including Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, John Bellany, Elizabeth Blackadder, John Byrne, Calum Colvin, Victoria Crowe, Alan Davie, Pat Douthwaite, Joan Eardley, Ian Hamilton Finlay, William Gillies, Morris Grassie, Peter Howson, William Johnstone, Bet Low, Will Maclean, Alexander Moffat, James Munro, Eduardo Paolozzi, Tom Pow, Barbara Rae, Anne Redpath, Jon Schueler, and Maud Sulter.

The post-war era was a period of seismic shifts – political and social, scientific and cultural. Emerging from the events of the Second World War, communities lived with the legacies of conflict while looking ahead to the future.

Contemporary artists responded to these rapidly changing times, addressing both traditional and modern themes in their work as they pushed the boundaries of creativity. By the end of the century, the artistic landscape was entirely transformed. 

Timed to complement the forthcoming exhibition John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture, Out of Chaos offers broader context to Bellany’s career by surveying the major movements and developments in post-war Scottish art. Visitors will explore a wide range of approaches, from figurative and landscape art to abstraction, pop art, and the rise of new media.

Among the highlights are a wind-swept Catterline landscape by Joan Eardley, a bronze cast of the haunting sculpture Horse’s Head by Eduardo Paolozzi, a large-scale environmental triptych by Elizabeth Ogilvie, and the avant-garde Fallen Angels, a rare surviving painting by Tom Pow. 

The exhibition also introduces several recent acquisitions, such as Alan Robb’s striking Surrealist-inspired oil painting Cool House, James Munro’s sleek 1980s sculpture Pick Up Trio, and Morris Grassie’s preparatory sketches for The Sou’Westers, Arbroath. Notably, a drawing by Milein Cosman capturing the first-ever Edinburgh International Festival in 1947 will be on display for the first time at the City Art Centre.

Curator Dr Helen Scott said: “Between 1945 and 2000 far-reaching changes took place across politics, society, culture and science, and contemporary artists were compelled to react to these developments – from the tensions of the Cold War to the rise of mass consumerism and popular culture.

“Artists working through these years analysed and questioned everything, repeatedly challenging conventions and reshaping the artistic landscape. Looking back now, the pace of change was incredible.

“I’m really looking forward to sharing this exhibition with our visitors – both those who lived through this dynamic period and younger generations as well.

“There is a wide array of artistic forms and styles on display here, so really there’s something for everyone.”

Council Leader Jane Meagher, City of Edinburgh Council said: “Out of Chaos offers a powerful reflection on how Scottish artists responded to a rapidly changing world. These works capture the resilience, imagination, and innovation that shaped the nation’s cultural identity in the post-war era.

“The City Art Centre continues to champion our cultural heritage, and Out of Chaos is a powerful reminder of how art helps us understand and navigate times of change.”

The exhibition opens on Saturday 17 May 2025, and continues until 12 October 2025. Admission is free. 

John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture – City Art Centre exhibition

City Art Centre announces exciting programme of events to accompany upcoming John Bellany exhibition

John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture – a major exhibition celebrating the life and art of one of Scotland’s most significant modern painters – opens on Saturday 31 May 2025.

The programme includes exclusive tours, talks and workshops with those closest to the artist. Booking for events is now open. 

The exhibition will showcase over 80 works, including paintings, drawings, prints, and sketchbooks, spanning from the 1960s until 2013. This remarkable exhibition invites visitors into Bellany’s world through the lens of his own self-exploration.

John Bellany was one of the most prolific and fearless self-portraitists in art history, obsessively documenting his own image through a variety of mediums.

From his early student studies in the 1960s to the epic pictorial narratives of his later years, Bellany’s works reveal the artist’s complex relationship with himself, his identity, and the world around him.

Throughout his life, he explored self-portraiture not just as an artistic exercise but as a means of delving into personal and universal themes—often disguising himself as mythical figures or fantastical characters.

This exhibition will present a diverse collection of works, many of which have never been seen publicly before, and are on loan from public and private collections across the UK, including the artist’s own estate. The works span Bellany’s entire career, providing a vivid and evocative portrayal of his life as he saw it.

The exhibition is accompanied by a publication featuring a foreword by Helen Bellany and essays by curators Bill Hare and Sandy Moffat.

In addition to the exhibition, a rich programme of events has been developed to offer deeper insights into the artist’s work, his personal life, and his ongoing legacy.

Event Programme Highlights

Lectures:

Thursday 31 July, 2pm – 3pm: A Life-Long Friendship
A reflection on the enduring friendship between John Bellany and Sandy Moffat. Sandy will discuss Bellany’s boyhood in Port Seton, their time together at Edinburgh College of Art, his turbulent London years and final years in Italy will all be explored.

Thursday 14 August, 2pm – 3pm: ‘I don’t borrow – I steal’: John Bellany and the Art of Visual Quotation
Bill Hare will explore Bellany’s technique of incorporating visual references from European art history into his own distinctive style, creating rich, multi-layered works.

Thursday 21 August, 2pm – 3pm: Time Will Tell
Reading from her critically acclaimed memoir, The Restless Wave, Helen Bellany will talk about her enduring relationship with John Bellany.

Wednesday 24 September, 2pm – 3pm: The Bellany Sketchbooks
Helen Bellany will lead exclusive exploration of Bellany’s private sketchbooks, which reveal the raw, personal side of his creative process.

In Conversation:
Thursday 10 July, 2pm: John Bellany: In Conversation with Bill Hare and Sandy Moffat
Join the curators for a conversation about Bellany’s artistic journey, his impact on Scottish art, and the special connection they had with him.

Gallery Tours:

Monday 11 August, 2pm – 3pm: Gallery Tour with Curators Bill Hare and Sandy Moffat
An intimate guided tour of the exhibition with the curators, offering expert insight into Bellany’s work and career.

Saturday 23 August, 2pm – 3pm: Gallery Tour with Curators Bill Hare and Sandy Moffat
Another opportunity to experience the exhibition with the curators, who will discuss the life and art of John Bellany in detail.

Described Tours and BSL Tours:

Friday 15 August, 11am – 12pm: BSL Interpreted Tour of ‘John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture’
A British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted tour, offering a deeper understanding of Bellany’s artistic journey for the Deaf community.

Friday 15 August, 2pm – 3pm: Described Tour for the Visually Impaired of ‘John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture’
A guided tour specifically designed for visitors with visual impairments, offering detailed descriptions of the artworks on display.

Adult Creative Workshops:

Saturday 12 July, 10.30am – 3.30pm: Self-Portraiture in Ink and Watercolour
A hands-on workshop exploring Bellany’s techniques, encouraging participants to create their own self-portraits using ink and watercolour.

Saturday 9 August, 10.30am – 3.30pm: From Sketchbook to Masterpiece
A workshop that delves into the process behind Bellany’s iconic works, guiding participants through transforming initial sketches into finished art.

Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker said: “John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture offers not only an extraordinary exhibition of the artist’s work but also a comprehensive programme of events designed to enhance the visitor experience and provide new perspectives on Bellany’s life and legacy.

“It’s fantastic to have such personal insight into his life and works. Whether through lectures, gallery tours with curators, or hands-on creative workshops, these events offer something for every visitor to engage with Bellany’s art on a deeper level.”