Nearly 80 independent designers will descend on National Galleries Scotland: National in Edinburgh this month for a showcase of creative talent.
Following the success of their August markets, Tea Green Events are returning to the beautiful venue on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 November 2024 (10am to 5pm).
The Edinburgh event will be attended by almost 30 Edinburgh-based makers including a number of graduates of Edinburgh College of Art.
Free to enter, the event marks a fitting end to the Scottish company’s record-breaking year of markets to celebrate its 10th anniversary.
Founder, Dundee jeweller Joanne MacFadyen commented, “There is nowhere more magical than Edinburgh at Christmas and we’re absolutely thrilled to be part of the city’s offering this year, a place to buy so many beautiful, locally made products.
“Whether you’re looking for a hand-knitted jumper, bag, ceramics, jewellery or illustrations, it’s all here and all made in Scotland, much in Edinburgh itself. It’s extra special to be working within such a stunning and important location which adds so much to the experience we’re creating together.”
One of the designers preparing to showcase her work is award-winning French author and illustrator, Marie-Alice Harel of Maharel.
Based in Edinburgh, Marie-Alice designs and illustrates books for readers of all ages. Her work, mostly traditional (watercolour, pencils and ink) is regularly exhibited in galleries in the UK, the USA and France. She also teaches Book Illustration and makes artist books, ceramics and textile pieces when time allows.
Marie-Alice, who will be selling books, prints, stationery and greetings cards, said: “Art galleries are so needed, allowing people and artists like me to get close and personal with the original artworks under their roofs.
“The art that inspired me as an artist/illustrator is from the past, so museums and galleries are the way I can experience them in person. Each artist is at the end of a long line of creatives and makers, building on a heritage of skills, ideas and techniques that, purposefully or unconsciously, both nourish and push their practice further.
“There is, however, a wide divide in perception between today’s practitioners and the masters of yesterday. It’s good to see efforts to bridge that gap, with the National Galleries hosting Tea Green events and their beautiful selection of makers.
“Each creative person is at the end of one of these invisible lines, each at their own scale and in their own discipline, so it makes a lot of sense to welcome them under the same roof. You will be able to meet them this November, next to their respected predecessors (who are no doubt cheering them on silently from the museum’s walls). Some of today’s artists will grace those same walls someday.
“You might want to buy a print, a greeting card or some other carefully crafted item (a life’s work really) while they’re still alive.”
Marie-Alice’s work will beautifully complement the brand new exhibition on show at the galleries. Dürer to Van Dyck: Drawings from Chatsworth House is a spectacular group of some 50 Flemish, Dutch, Early Netherlandish, and German drawings and watercolours, spanning from about 1500 to 1700 and exhibited in Scotland for the first time.
Marie-Alice will be joined by fellow illustrator Susie Wright, who graduated from Edinburgh College of Art in 2003.
Susie, also based in Edinburgh, added, “I’ve been inspired by the artworks and spaces in the National Galleries since I was a student and made my very first screen print after a research trip drawing in and around the galleries.
“Edinburgh is also a continued source of inspiration, I love how the changing light throughout the year highlights different details and views as I walk around the city. The Tea Green markets have allowed me to meet like-minded makers and wonderfully supportive customers, which in turn has created a really lovely creative community.”
Isabella Miller, Director of Audience at National Galleries of Scotland said, ‘We are so delighted to welcome Tea Green’s winter market and all of the amazing independent designers to the National.
“We are thrilled that we can offer the beautiful surroundings of the National gallery to showcase the talents of these incredible creatives and support Scottish businesses. With the market on at the same time as our spectacular exhibition, Dürer to Van Dyck : Drawings from Chatsworth House, visitors will have the unique opportunity to discover historical drawings in the Royal Scottish Academy and then pop through to the National to explore the current works of the illustrators on offer at the event.
“We hope this will offer something a little different for our visitors to enjoy and that people can browse the stalls then explore the art. There will be something for everyone to discover during a day out at the National.”
Before the year is out, Tea Green Events markets will also be held at V&A Dundee (Friday 29 November to Sunday 1 December), Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow (Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December) and Bowhouse in Fife (Friday 13 to Sunday 15 December 2024).
For more information about Tea Green Markets and the programme of events, visit https://www.teagreen.co.uk/