Museum of Edinburgh – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Exhibitions on the Capital’s fiery past and dynamic present open at the Museum of Edinburgh

Two new co-curated exhibitions with partnership organisations were launched at the Museum of Edinburgh this week (May 2).

‘Edinburgh Rising from the Ashes: 200 Years of the Scottish Fire Service’ marks the bicentenary of the world’s first municipal fire brigade, which was founded here in Edinburgh in 1824.

This exhibition, in partnership with the Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage, charts the remarkable development of firefighting in the Capital and across Scotland over the centuries.

In addition to the exhibition there is an accompanying series of lectures and family craft workshops covering everything from Edinburgh’s influence on global fire safety standards to painting a mini fire helmet.

‘Pedal Power: Cycling and Activism in Edinburgh’ is an exhibition which focusses on cycling safety, sustainability and history in our city. This exhibition was curated in conjunction with local cycling groups Critical Mass, Infrasisters, Spokes and Bike Buses.

There are also lectures and a family craft workshop taking place during the Edinburgh Festival of Cycling, which runs from 31 May to 9 June 2024.

Both exhibitions run until Sun 22 Sep 2024 and entry is free.

For more information on the Museum of Edinburgh please visit our website.

Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said: “I was delighted to launch these exhibitions and see first-hand some of the incredible stories that they tell.

“From our proud history and traditions of firefighting to promoting active travel in modern day Edinburgh these provide two very distinct views of life in the Capital.

“The different themes and ideas explored in these exhibitions shows our museums as the incredible spaces they are to explore contemporary issues as well as historical events.

“I’d like to thank all our partners who contributed to these exhibitions, some of whom I was lucky enough to meet at the launch.

“I’d also urge our residents and visitors to take advantage and get down to the Museum of Edinburgh in the coming months.”

Assistant Chief Officer for Operational Delivery at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, David Farries said: “This year is an incredibly historic year for us as we recognise and proudly celebrate Scotland’s rich fire and rescue heritage. “

We have a wealth of great commemorative and educational events lined up across the year to celebrate 200 years since the creation of the world’s first municipal fire service in Edinburgh.

“The world has changed drastically since 1824 and so has our service. Through these exhibitions we want to showcase the people, the innovation, and the values that our service was built on and are still at the heart of the modern Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

“We have something for all ages so I would encourage anybody who has an interest in the Fire Service, its history and the importance of the wider history of the city and beyond to head along to the museum and view the exhibition.”

Pedal Power Co-curator and Member of Edinburgh Critical Mass, Victoria Hawkins said: “We got involved with the Pedal Power exhibition because we are all keen to show that better, safer cycling benefits everyone.

“At some point we lost the balance of transport in the city, and we now know how harmful that has been to our lungs, our health and our wildlife. We’re all working in different ways to create a future city where more people can share the joy of walking and cycling safely.

“We hope people will come to the exhibition and see an opportunity to move forward from binary car vs bike debates and support better active travel infrastructure in Edinburgh.”

New exhibition focusing on the impact of war in Kyiv opens today at the Museum of Edinburgh

KYIV IS THE UNBREAKABLE HEART OF EUROPE exhibition

A photography exhibition entitled ‘Kyiv is the Unbreakable Heart of Europe’ will open today (Saturday 23 September) at the Museum of Edinburgh.

The exhibition is made up of 32 images of Kyiv and its surrounding areas and was commissioned by the Kyiv City State Administration. These images illustrate the stark reality of Russia’s illegal war and the horrific impact on the daily lives of Ukrainians in the capital and beyond.

Before arriving in Edinburgh, the exhibition had been displayed in Prague, Lublin, Giessen, Mexico City and Berlin.

In a special preview hosted on Thursday at the Museum, Council Leader Cammy Day, alongside members of the Association for Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) Edinburgh branch, had a chance to see the exhibition firsthand.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “I was incredibly moved today upon seeing these images from Kyiv. These are an important reminder of the terrible human cost of Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine.

“I’ve been clear for the past 18 months that Edinburgh stands in solidarity with Ukraine and with the Ukrainians who have made their new lives here in Edinburgh. I am incredibly proud of the support we have provided as a Council and as a city to those fleeing the most grave and terrible circumstances. We will continue this support for as long as is necessary.

“I would encourage all residents and visitors in Edinburgh to visit this exhibition from this weekend. “

Ukrainian Consul to Edinburgh, Andrii Kuslii said: “Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine has had detrimental consequences for the Ukrainian people. They have faced unimaginable hardships and loss, yet their resilience and determination to reclaim their sovereignty is inspiring.

“By attending the exhibition, you have the opportunity to show your unwavering support for Ukraine. Together, we can shed light on the war crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine.

“The exhibition serves as a declaration that Ukrainian people’s fight for independence and stability will not be forgotten or diminished. By attending, you can add your collective voice to the chorus of support and ensure that the world recognizes the strength and resilience of the people of Ukraine.”

Chair of the AUGB Edinburgh Branch, Hannah Beaton-Hawryluk: “This photo exhibition is a powerful opportunity to show the world what is happening in Ukraine so that the world doesn’t forget about the brutal war in the centre of Europe and the destruction to the Ukrainian people.

The exhibition runs from September 23 to November 12, 2023. Entry is free.

Accessibility guidelines for the Museum of Edinburgh can be found on our website.

New Museum of Edinburgh exhibition celebrates Caribbean culture

RESPECT!, an exciting new exhibition, has opened at the Museum of Edinburgh. The exhibition is a celebration of the culture of Caribbean Scottish people through museum objects, poetry and film and has been created in collaboration with the Edinburgh Caribbean Association.

The exhibition explores what it is like to grow up in the Caribbean, what it means to be Caribbean, links with Scotland and how Caribbean food and music has influenced British culture. The items on display have been chosen by members of the Edinburgh Caribbean Association to share their stories with museum visitors. A Spotify playlist has also been created so visitors can enjoy a full range of Caribbean music.

The exhibition is part of a £250,000 community-led collections research project, Exchange, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council in partnership with the National Museums Scotland and Royal Museums Greenwich. Exchange | National Museums Scotland (nms.ac.uk)

Cllr Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener at City of Edinburgh Council said: “Our Museum of Edinburgh celebrates the history of Edinburgh and all the communities who live in the city.

“This wonderful new exhibition has been a community led project, exploring the collections of our Museum of Childhood and the connections between Edinburgh and the Caribbean.

“Visitors to the Museum can enjoy a celebration of the culture of Caribbean Scottish people through museum objects, poetry and film and has been created in collaboration with the Edinburgh Caribbean Association. I would like to thank the association members for their time, creativity and generosity.”

Lisa Williams, Edinburgh Caribbean Association said: “It’s been a wonderful experience collaborating with Museums & Galleries Edinburgh.

“We learned a lot from each other and forged friendship and understanding along the way.”

Curator Lyn Stevens, said: “It has been a tremendous privilege to work with the Edinburgh Caribbean Association.

“The group have shared their knowledge and expertise generously with museum staff and the result is a fascinating insight into the many different Caribbean cultures and what it is like to live in Britain and maintain traditions and a sense of identity.

“I have learnt so much working with them and I am looking forward to our visitors enjoying this wonderful exhibition.”

Dr John Giblin, Keeper of Global Arts, Cultures and Design at National Museums Scotland: “Thanks to a generous grant from the AHRC, the Exchange project has allowed organisations around the UK to work with communities who have historically been marginalised in museum and gallery displays to explore experiences of empire, migration, and life in Britain through their collections.

“Many hundreds of people have come together over the past year to reveal and share a wider range of stories and perspectives, and Respect! Caribbean life in Edinburgh is the culmination of a rich, thoughtful and productive collaboration between a museum and a community group.”

Our Museum of Edinburgh and Museum of Childhood champion local Edinburgh history and Edinburgh communities. The City of Edinburgh council is working to diversify museum collections as part of the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review. New acquisitions of dolls, books and magazines have been made as part of this project to add to the Museum of Childhood collections.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a Spotify playlist Respect! Caribbean Life in Edinburgh.

A wide-ranging events programme has been arranged alongside the exhibition.

For up-to-date information about events, and details of how to book, please visit the Museums & Galleries Edinburgh website.

A city of many faiths: Museum explores journey from immigration to integration

The city council’s Museum of Edinburgh has opened its doors to a collection of community and family stories from faith groups. The free to visit display of photographs and oral histories will open today (Friday 10 November) until Monday 23 April.

Continue reading A city of many faiths: Museum explores journey from immigration to integration

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

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.”

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.

Museum opens up window to the past

The Museum of Edinburgh, located on the Royal Mile in a series of 16th and 17th century houses, has unveiled two new interactive exhibits.

The City of Edinburgh Council owned and managed Museum has partnered with Edinburgh-based Insurgent Studios to bring the stories behind some of the city’s treasured artefacts to life.

Designed to faithfully recreate historical locations to provide an original addition to the city’s museum collection, the free-to-enter exhibits blend history and technology to enhance the overall enjoyment of a trip to the Museum.

Visitors can discover the life and times of Edinburgh-born WW1 British Commander Earl Haig, who created The Royal British Legion and raised funds for the welfare of ex-servicemen after the war. A second installation focuses on the Museum’s secret Courtyard which opens to the public for the first time in more than a decade.

The Courtyard has been landscaped with the help of local volunteers and community service workers, and a digital window onto the re-opened Courtyard will allow visitors to view life in the Canongate through the centuries.

Councillor Richard Lewis, Convener for Culture and Sport said: “With the exciting addition of these interactive exhibits and the pull of the popular Greyfriars Bobby collection, the Museum of Edinburgh is going to be a must-visit this summer.

“This digital trial is a first for the Council’s museums and galleries service and will be an exciting opportunity to discover how our cultural offering might be able to use new technology to shape our knowledge of the past. Appealing to visitors of all ages, the hands-on experience will allow anyone with an interest in Edinburgh’s history to physically connect with some of the Museum’s artefacts.”

Craig Hunter, Managing Director of Insurgent Studios, said: “The Council shares our enthusiasm to use the latest technology to enable the telling of old stories in new ways. We worked carefully to put the visitor at the centre of the experience, allowing them to ‘touch’ the objects we recreated in virtual form, to experience the installations at their own pace and in a variety of languages.

“The visitor is rewarded for engaging closely with the collection by the award of ‘achievements’ throughout the experience. Our approach to digital conservation allowed us to work with the team at the Council’s Museum of Edinburgh to showcase some items from the collections which would not otherwise be on display. We believe that these installations will appeal to everyone by literally putting history at their fingertips.”

Insurgent has also launched a microsite to detail the experience of creating the exhibits and using them.

The Museum of Edinburgh is open Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm and in August it is also open on Sundays 12 noon-5pm.

And it’s FREE!