Tag: Kimpton Charlotte Square

Kimpton Charlotte Square launches free exhibition

Local artists work on display during the Edinburgh Festival

The award-winning five-star Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel is celebrating this year’s Edinburgh Festival by launching a new exhibition in partnership with &Gallery.

As the city welcomes visitors from around the globe for the world-famous Edinburgh Festival which celebrate arts and culture, the design-led hotel has unveiled a free art exhibition showcasing work from two local artists, Anna Somerville and Emily Moore.

Passionate about paint, mark making and colour, Anna Somerville creates expressive, painterly landscapes that conjure up hazy memories of places that she has visited. Her pieces on display at Kimpton Charlotte Square include ‘Highland Scape’, ‘Rapolano Neon Scape’ and ‘Tuscan Scape’.

Emily Moore’s paintings focus on the stark facades of modern tower blocks, inspired in part by a trip to Berlin, and latterly, places closer to home. The sharp lines of these modernist forms are overlaid with intricate patterns of leaves and tree branches.

Established in 2017, &Gallery is a contemporary visual art gallery located in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town and the well-known art gallery district. &Gallery curates a specialist programme of solo exhibitions of represented artists along with curated group shows.

Its emphasis is on abstract and minimal painting, drawing and sculpture, by artists at various stages of their career who are located in Scotland, as well as throughout the UK and worldwide.

Both artists are graduates from Edinburgh College of Art and regularly exhibit with &Gallery. The new exhibition will be displayed throughout the ground floor of the hotel including the lobby, The Garden as well as the bar and restaurant area. All work is available to purchase through the &Gallery.

Avril Nicol, owner of &Gallery said: “We have really enjoyed collaborating with the Kimpton for our exhibition taking place during the renowned Edinburgh Festival and following months. I

“t was a pleasure curating a selection of work to compliment Charlotte Square’s unique interior, and a great opportunity to highlight the work of two talented local artists.”

Kieran Quinn, general manager at Kimpton Charlotte Square said: “The Edinburgh Festival is a time for the world to celebrate our city, its culture, and the arts.

“It’s important for us to make the most of this special time, giving local artists access to our guests and ensuring our guests are surrounded by wonderful talent.”

Guests and members of the public are invited to see Emily and Anna’s work on display at Kimpton Charlotte Square from today (Monday 14 August) until November.

For artwork purchasing queries, please contact: info@andgallery.co.uk

Kimpton Charlotte Square hosts Pride tour

On Friday 23 June, to mark this year’s Pride month, local tour guide Hannah Mackay Tait will take Kimpton Charlotte Square guests on an exclusive whistlestop tour of the city’s rich queer heritage. 

Guests will be surprised by just how much queer history is held in our ancient streets!

This year, Kimpton Charlotte Square is the main sponsor of Pride Edinburgh. The five-star hotel proudly celebrates individuality and fiercely embraces diversity.

It welcomes varying perspectives, honours different backgrounds, learns from differing beliefs and grows from the multitude of talents, contributions and experiences of all people. It has created spaces where every person can feel welcome and free to be their true selves. 

To celebrate Pride month, guests will discover hidden stories on the 90-minute walking tour learning about the lesbian sex scandal that rocked Edinburgh high society in the early 1800s and about the trans magician hosting Scotland’s first queer rights rally in the 1980s.

Guests will then head into Pride Edinburgh on the 24 June with a new appreciation for the generations of queer folk who came before.

Accessibility info: The route covers approximately 3km on paved paths, starting from Kimpton Charlotte Square and finishing on George Street with frequent stops in between, some of which have seating available.

The route has no steps or stairs, with dropped kerbs at crossings throughout, but will involve going up and down some moderate slopes. Some areas are likely to be loud and busy, although we’ll always stop somewhere as quiet as possible.

Hannah will not be wearing a mask to facilitate lip reading, but you are welcome to wear one or not as you prefer.

Kimpton Charlotte Square celebrates Earth Day with Plant Pal programme

Kimpton Charlotte Square is honouring the annual World Earth Day (22 April) with a new ‘Plant Pals’ initiative. 

The five-star hotel will offer locally sourced plants for guests to enjoy in-room upon request. The complimentary offering is available for all guests and can be arranged at any point prior or during the stay, simply book via the website or request from the front of house team at the hotel.

With the plants named after Scottish philanthropist, Mary Erskpine (Erskine) and one of the first women to graduate from the University of Edinburgh, Flora Philip, guests are invited to immerse in nature and bask in the atmosphere of female empowerment.

What’s more, for every Plant Pal request at the hotel, Kimpton Charlotte Square will in return plant a tree on behalf of the guest through its rewilding charity partner, Trees for Life – as part of its commitment to protect nature against climate change.

Studies have shown that plants have the ability to boost your mood and increase productivity, so this is the perfect in-room addition for those celebrating a special occasion, visiting for work, or touring the city. 

Kimpton Charlotte Square also invites non-hotel guests to try remote working in The Garden, an indoor courtyard space, where they can feel a sense of calm among the greenery and natural light as they utilise the space for a ‘WFH’ day.

Plant Pals joins a host of other thoughtful programs and wellness perks at Kimpton Charlotte Square, including yoga mats available in every room and complimentary Kimpton bikes to explore the city. Guests can also relax and recharge in the hotel’s luxurious spa.

Guests looking for the ultimate relaxing spring escape can enjoy the hotel’s All You Can Suite package, which includes an eclectic dining experience at the hotel’s destination restaurant, BABA, and a night stay in a signature suites, alongside complimentary bath salts & invigorating body oil from Scottish skincare brand, Ishga.

To book Plant Pals or add it to the All You Can Suite package, visit kimptoncharlottesquare.com. Standard Double rooms start from £220.

Find out more: https://www.kimptoncharlottesquare.com/plant-pals

Spring has sprung at Kimpton Charlotte Square

New partnership launched with Alpha Art in Edinburgh

EDINBURGH’s award-winning five-star Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel has welcomed the new season through an new exhibition, ‘Gilded Attestation’, presented in partnership with local gallery Alpha Art.

With many looking out for the first signs of spring, including the arrival of the spectacular cherry blossom trees in the meadows, the hotel has collaborated with artists that beautifully encapsulate nature coming to life after a cold winter.

The new exhibition showcase works by Jack Frame, who is particularly renowned for his oil painted cherry blossom trees suspended in the centre of the canvas, isolated from all other natural elements on gold and silver leaf backgrounds.

Due to his growing popularity, he is on track to become one of the UK’s most collectable artists.

The display also features works by artist Russell Hatton, who uses gold leaf and deep colours to create reflective polished surfaces onto aluminium.

His technique of using high-tech industrial paints allows him to create striking pieces that test the boundaries of art by using non-traditional materials. Russell’s finish creates a space illusion which reflects the wonders of the universe. 

Established in 2006, Alpha Art is an independent contemporary gallery located in Stockbridge. The gallery represents a wide variety of emerging and established international artists. The gallery presents a selection of events throughout the year, taking part in several festivals and contemporary art fairs. The ‘Gilded Attestation’ exhibition showcasing at the hotel is a first for the gallery.  

Guests and members of the public are invited to see Jack and Russell’s work on display at Kimpton Charlotte Square from Monday 27 March and will continue until mid-May. 

For artwork purchasing queries, please contact: info@alpha-art.co.uk

Listen Up: Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel launch the UK’s First Sound Wellness Room

The wild sounds of the world have been captured using revolutionary recording techniques to create the Swell Room, the UK’s First Sound Wellness Room.

Award winning producer Brian D’Souza spent two years developing a new methodology which harnessed the therapeutic nature of sound – bringing together biophilia, music composition and sound therapy to create the Swell Room, the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel’s first dedicated sound treatment offering.

To create the novel sound wellness composition, Brian explored beautiful locations, including a trip to the Hebrides, Lake Geneva, Cape Verde ad Lofoten in the Article Circle, to record sounds of the sea, fields, and natural wildlife.

These nature sounds were then combined with traditional sound treatment instruments including gongs and singing bowls, as well as violins, the Gaelic harp, bagpipes and vocalists – all of which were brought together in a custom-built Swell studio in London. 

Guests will recline in an Italian armchair with sinuous lines, which features an anatomic mattress covered in stain-resistant hypoallergenic marine eco-leather. With the equipment’s vibroacoustic delivery, guests will not only be able to hear the sound, but also feel it. The unique and innovative product pairs relaxation, treatments, and sound which elevates the wellness and relaxation area at the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel Spa.

The tailored therapeutic sound techniques are designed to lower the heart rate, blood pressure and stress, while promoting positive biochemical responses that bring equilibrium to the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, harnessing the power of sound to affect the listener in a positive sense.

Guests and visitors of the hotel in Edinburgh’s city centre are invited to dedicate time to active listening which promotes restorative deep relaxation and cognitive clarity for a sense of escapism.

Brian D’Souza’s involvement with Kimpton stems from curating the soundtracks for the Hotel over the past 10 years through his business Open Ear, which also works with worldwide brands including Nike and Google and is now the recommended supplier for IHG in the UK.

Drawing on his academic background in Music Psychology with an MA in Psychology, an MSc in Sound Design and training in Sound Therapy, Brian launched a unique 24hr radio station dedicated to improving sleep, focus and relaxation called Ambient Flo during the first lockdown.

Brian D’Souza, founder of Open Ear Music, Ambient Flo and Swell said: “I’ve always been fascinated by how music has the ability to affect our emotional state.

“Whether it brings people together and takes them to a euphoric state at a festival or keeps the drinks flowing in a bar; or it works to reduce heart rate and create a sense of calm – it has a direct correlation with our mood. So, to create The Swell Room, in collaboration with Kimpton Charlotte Square is a real privilege.

“I’ve loved the process of creating this sound treatment, from recording around the world to bringing all the sounds together in my studio, it’s been a really rewarding experience and I’m excited for it to take guests on an immersive journey to a deeply relaxed state.”

Brian has now launched an innovative sound wellness business called Swell. Kimpton Charlotte Square’s Swell Room will be the business’s first dedicated sound treatment venture.

Finlay Anderson, Area Spa and Leisure Director said: “As we emerged out of lockdown, it was clear that our guests craved more of a multi-sensory wellness experience than ever before.

“Evidence shows that more and more people used music for relief and to help improve their mood during lockdowns, so it made perfect sense to collaborate with Brian on the Swell Room to ensure our guests can have a 360 degrees therapeutic experience when visiting Spa at Kimpton Charlotte Square.

“After working with Brian on La Chambre Verte at Kimpton Blythswood Square last year, we are excited to delve deeper into the benefits of sound therapy with our guests at Kimpton Charlotte Square this year.”

The sound wellness treatment at the Swell Room can be added onto the existing treatment menu to create a multi-sensory experience at Spa at Charlotte Square or can be booked as a stand-alone experience.

Kimpton Charlotte Square unveils new art exhibition inspired by capital’s iconic landmarks

The award-winning Kimpton Charlotte Square hotel has launched its latest exhibition in partnership with local gallery, Colinton Arts. 

As the city welcomes visitors from around the globe for the world-famous Edinburgh Festival to celebrate arts and culture, the Hotel unveils a collection of artists inspired by the capital’s iconic landmarks and scenery.

Jason Cordingley, oil painter and art educator, creates landscapes that echo the vitality of nature and the splendour of man’s architectural creations. His cityscapes capture some of Edinburgh’s most picturesque locations including Calton Hill, Princes Street Gardens and the historic Old Town. All of these locations will be at the heart of August’s festivities.

Jason commented: “Often I will push the extremes of both colour and tone in an attempt to conjure a dream like quality to my work. The exhibition pieces outline my passion for texture as I experiment with bold colours and tones to pay tribute to the Scottish landscape.

“The opportunity to exhibit my work at this luxury hotel is extremely special to me, particularly as an Edinburgh-based artist with a great love for the city. I’m thrilled that guests will see my work as we spotlight the capital in all its glory.”

In addition to the Edinburgh focussed pieces, Kimpton Charlotte Square is also showcasing work by Stephanie Pijper and Leon Anderson.

As an award-winning artist from the North-East of Scotland, Stephanie’s work features exquisite attention to detail and themes of rebirth throughout. Her featured artwork includes The Secret Garden and My Tears Made the Flowers Grow.

A self-taught artist, Leon Anderson (above) takes well known dog breeds and uses clothing and expressions to highlight traits that make them so loveable. His inspired canine characters include Lady Di-chschund, Outlander Jamie and Admiral Harvey.

Located in the historic village of Colinton, Colinton Arts is a family-run gallery presenting the very best of local and regional talent including exclusive paintings, prints and sculptures.

Lindsey Alexander, owner of Colinton Arts, said: “As a relatively new gallery and long-standing framing studio, we’re fast gaining an excellent reputation. 

“We’re becoming well-known for our varied portfolio of artists working in a wide variety of media and we’re grateful to the Kimpton for this wonderful opportunity. 

“Gallery Manager Lesley Briggs and I are really looking forward to this exhibition and gaining greater exposure for our talented artists.”

Kieran Quinn, general manager at Kimpton Charlotte Square said: “The Edinburgh Festival is one of the most iconic events in the city and something we as a hotel look forward to every year.

“As a boutique hotel where art is at the core of our allure, it was an obvious collaboration for us. We can exhibit breath-taking, exclusive pieces which capture the best of Edinburgh while supporting another local business.

“Our guests travel from all over Scotland and beyond so we’re excited for them to see these pieces and add to their memorable experience.”

Guests and members of the public are invited to see Jason, Stephanie and Leon’s work on display at Kimpton Charlotte Square from today (Wednesday 3 August) until the end of October.

For artwork purchasing queries, please contact: info@colinton-arts.com.