Tag: designers

Portrait Gallery showcase for Edinburgh College of Art designers

Over 40 independent designers will descend on National Galleries Scotland: Portrait in Edinburgh for a showcase of creative talent.

Now in its 11th year, Tea Green Events has become a major platform for independent Scottish designers, drawing thousands of visitors to its markets across the country.

Following the success of Tea Green Events’ markets at National Galleries Scotland: National last year, this is the market’s debut event at the Queen Street venue, taking place on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 August 2025 (10am-5pm).

This year’s markets will also come to V&A Dundee, Bowhouse in the East Neuk of Fife, Aberdeen Art Gallery and both Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and The Burrell Collection in Glasgow.

Specialising in carefully curated markets within some of Scotland’s most stunning creative spaces, Tea Green Events was launched by Dundee jeweller Joanne MacFadyen in 2014.

Joanne said, “The Portrait is a truly spectacular space and the perfect backdrop to show off the cream of Scotland’s creative talent, including many designers and makers who live and work in and around the capital. 

“Due to the large number of tourists visiting Edinburgh at this time, the market will also put Scotland’s design talent on a global stage, where we can showcase the very best of Scottish craftsmanship. 

“With everything from jewellery and prints to knitwear and ceramics, these beautiful hand-crafted pieces of work are made by some truly talented individuals who I know are looking forward to this amazing opportunity”.

Amongst the designers and makers preparing to set out their stalls are a number of Edinburgh College of Art graduates, including illustrator and paper artist, Laura Sayers.

Laura commented, “Turning up at a market can sometimes be quite alienating for folk like me who spend a lot of their work life alone, but the community of makers and the customers that come along are always so warm and welcoming.

“It’s been encouraging for me to see my own work looking and feeling at home alongside some of my favourite small businesses who are all making such high-quality, handmade products.

“As a result, I feel spurred on to make more wholehearted work to mirror the high standards of the other artisans, and the markets give me direction and something to aim for, particularly in the slow summer months. 

“There’s also something special about that human interaction and living online means that you’re often craving a space for these conversations. I always come away feeling refreshed and excited for what’s next.

“Edinburgh was a beautiful city to study in, and my time at the College of Art really shaped and laid foundations for the work I make today. I’m always more than happy to return to soak up some more inspiration, and the Portrait Gallery has been one of my personal favourite spots for a long time.

“Making it a base for my artwork for a couple of days is a real pleasure.” 

National Galleries of Scotland’s Director of Audience, Isabella Miller, said, “We can’t wait to welcome the makers back to the National Galleries of Scotland following the amazing success of the Tea Green market at the National gallery last summer and winter.

“This time around we’re hosting the market in the stunning surroundings of the Portrait gallery in the centre of Edinburgh.  Visitors can explore the market under the bedazzling stars in the world-famous Great Hall.

“The decadent and ornate backdrop of the Portrait is the perfect setting for visitors to feel fully enveloped in the spirit of the market. Beautiful hand-crafted designs, in a beautiful hand-crafted building, what’s not to love!

“The Portrait is dedicated to exploring various aspects of the Scottish story, so where better to also showcase the talents of the incredible market creatives and support Scottish businesses. 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, or pop into the café to relax and enjoy some delicious food.

“There will be something for everyone to discover during a day out at the Portrait.”

Dr Maria Maclennan, Senior Lecturer at Edinburgh College of Art, added, “It’s always wonderful to follow our graduates’ creative journeys as they grow and flourish into confident and established designer-makers.

“Communities and markets like Tea Green are ever-important platforms for our alumni in realising their ambitions, connecting with fellow creatives, and showcasing the breadth, diversity, and quality of work emerging from Scottish art colleges.

“At ECA, we strive to create opportunities for our students locally, nationally, and internationally; however, it is always particularly rewarding when graduates decide to remain in and around Edinburgh, and to further champion and grow Scotland’s vibrant creative landscape and economy.”

For more information about Tea Green Markets and the programme of events, visit:

 https://www.teagreen.co.uk/

Native Edinburgh announces Community Creation Initiative

£1000 fund now open to designers

Budding artists and designers now have the chance to make their mark on a historic building in Edinburgh, with a piece of their commissioned art set to be displayed in the lobby of aparthotel group Native Edinburgh as part of their refurbishment plans. 

Bringing sustainability and a sense of local place into their renovations, the exciting new community collaboration sees Native Edinburgh supporting Scottish designers ahead of their relaunch in May as a lifestyle destination.

Launching today (Monday, 14th March) the new initiative will give local designers the chance to take home £1000, on top of having their commissioned art or designs on display and becoming part of the hotel interiors.

Native is calling out artists with a keen eye on sustainability using wood carving – modern or traditional in the creation of their aesthetic objects to apply to win the commission fund. This is a rare chance to be part of the aparthotel’s stylish decor, and any designers are encouraged to send fill out this form with Native choosing the first successful designer of the fund by March 31st.

The Native Community Creations campaign will see each of their aparthotels in the UK collaborate with designers, artists, suppliers to run year-long creative programming on property that supports creativity and sustainability. 

Nestled in the original fabric of Edinburgh’s historic New Town, an area of outstanding neo-classical and Georgian architecture, and a UNESCO world heritage site, Native Edinburgh is ensuring their interiors are as beautifully adorned as their exteriors, with this new competition open to all designers in Edinburgh and beyond. 

Awarded double gold from Greengage’s ECOsmart programme in 2021, Native has embraced a road to recovery that targets sustainable travellers and an eco-friendly approach to operations.

Believing that by choosing sustainable accommodation you can, amongst other things, cut down your own carbon footprint without compromising on a comfortable and stylish stay, Native’s latest style elevation has even looked to the Scottish environment for inspiration. 

With 82 apartments comprising studios, one bedrooms, and ground floor leisure, Native Edinburgh provides the flexibility and amenities of a design-led boutique hotel, coupled with the space, comfort and privacy of a home from home in the heart of the city.

Rani Saidi, head of marketing of Native Places UK said: “Collaboration is part of our fabric here at Native. We are always championing the independents in the cities we feature, and it’s now time to shine the spotlight on creatives. 

“This new community initiative will support designers across the UK in our properties, and in Edinburgh, we will be marking our refurbishment with a collaboration with a local designer. 

“With a £1000 prize fund, we are inviting creatives across Scotland to apply to our fund and help us bring a sense of community to our lobby in Edinburgh.”

The Community Initiative Fund is now open to designers and artists. The fund will close on 31 March 2022, with one designer picked to receive £1000 and their work commissioned for Native Edinburgh.

To apply now, enter here. 

St James Quarter’s first ever fashion festival ‘Edinburgh Style’

Grab your heels, dress to impress and prepare to be inspired as St James Quarter presents its very first ‘Edinburgh Style’ event from Thursday 14th – Sunday 17th October.

Scotland’s new fashion capital, St James Quarter will host an array of stylish events over the long weekend. The line-up includes fashion and beauty workshops hosted by world-renowned influencers, autumnal wreath demonstrations to live music with Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival and an unmissable fashion show in partnership Edinburgh College of Art.

Kicking off from 11am each day, St James Quarter will have a variety of pop-up locations for fashionistas to explore including the ‘Style Dome’ on St James Square and the ‘Style Lounge’ in the galleria.

Attendees can drop into the ’Style Dome’ to watch a series of talks hosted by eight iconic influencers over the course of the weekend. The influential hosts include the beauty icon who boasts Kim Kardashian as one of their number one fans, Reuben de Maid, Scottish fashion guru and Dula fashion house founder, Jilly Isabella and food expert Just Jess.

John Lewis will also host an exclusive session with established model Chioma who will provide top tips on how to style your wardrobe this winter.

And it doesn’t stop there: Edinburgh College of Art graduates will be presenting their collections with models in the galleria and onto the car park for a one-off not to be missed boutique fashion show.

Attendees can also admire work created by Textiles and Jewellery & Silversmithing graduates displayed in the ‘Style Dome’, as well as hear from Edinburgh College of Art and Graduate Fashion Week 2019 Award Winner Rosie Baird, who will be discussing her own graduate collection and inspiration behind the St James Quarter Tartan that she designed.

Throughout the weekend shoppers will be entertained with pop-up bars, an art exhibition, selfie stations at the ‘Style Stories’ and so much more. A number of brands from The Quarter including Boots, Peloton, Ixia Flowers, Bodyshop, Keihl’s and IOLLA are also set to get involved throughout the weekend.

 Rochelle Weir, brand and marketing director at St James Quarter, said: “What an event we have lined up. Not only will this give people an opportunity to see all the amazing brands, including Keihl’s and IOLLA, we have here at St James Quarter but it’s also a chance to flaunt your own style and be inspired by others. The influencers attending to host our fashion and beauty workshops are some of the best in the business.

“Who better to give you glam tips than Reuben de Maid – the person who has worked one to one with Kim Kardashian!

“We are also extremely excited to be working with Edinburgh College of Art graduates to bring our very own fashion show to life. If you’re in Edinburgh from the 14th-17th October, make sure to come down and check out everything we have going on – it’s not to be missed!”

Mal Burkinshaw, Head of Design at Edinburgh College of Art, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with St James Quarter for this unique event. This opportunity gives our graduates a platform within a high-end retail context and will be an invaluable experience for them.”

Edinburgh Style events are free to attend and will be allocated on the day through a first come, first served basis. For more information on the events taking place from Thursday 14th – Sunday 17th October visit St James Quarter’s event page at: https://stjamesquarter.com/events/

To celebrate Edinburgh Style and other upcoming events, St James Quarter is offering all customers half price car parking from 5:30pm every night until Sunday 31st October.