What’s On in Edinburgh this June

Here are 10 exciting things to do and see in Edinburgh this month…

Edinburgh Festival of Cycling. Image source.

Edinburgh Festival of Cycling, various locations across Edinburgh

June 6 – June 16

In recognition of all aspects of cycling in and around the City of Edinburgh this festival has organised a wide range of sporting, cultural and fun events for everyone.

The Edinburgh Festival of Cycling (EdFoC) showcases the role of cycling in relation to travel, leisure, adventure, transport, sport and personal development. It highlights the importance of cycling for encouraging social inclusion and economic development reducing ill health and pollution.

For information go to their website at https://edfoc.org.uk/.

La Riva Pizzeria. Image source.

FOOD. Free Pizza Tasting, La Riva Pizzeria, Leith

Tuesday, June 3, 8pm – 9.30pm

‘Nutritious and delicious’ fare is the aim of this new Leith Italian restaurant.

La Riva Pizzeria – based close to Leith Shore on Assembly Street - has organised the Free Pizza Tasting to allow everyone an opportunity to sample their pizzas.

Their website boasts that their restaurant is ‘dedicated to the provision of the healthiest, tastiest, freshest food and drink at affordable prices’.

The event information notes that stoneground flour and premium Italian cheese and meats are used, and that vegan and vegetarian options are available.

For details visit their Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/larivapizzeria/ or website https://www.la-riva.co.uk/.

MUSIC. Maid of the Forth Evening Cruises, South Queensferry

Various dates throughout June

A new season of musical events aboard The Maid of the Forth has been announced.

The family-run sightseeing cruise company have created the events programme following their success last year.

Events include their 3-hour Evening Jazz and BBQ Cruise on Friday, June 7 and Friday June 21, with live music from their resident jazz band ‘Maid of the Forth Stompers’. Their 3-hour Evening Scottish Folk Music and BBQ Cruise on Friday, June 14 features music from the folk band ‘Pure Malt’. The band play a mixture of traditional and contemporary Scottish and Irish folk music with classics including ‘Whiskey in the Jar’, ‘Caledonia’ and ‘Green Grow in the Rushes’.

Visit their website for full details and booking at https://www.maidoftheforth.co.uk/.

Leith Festival. Image source.

Leith Festival, venues across Leith

Saturday, June 8 – Sunday, June 16

An eight-day community festival with an events programme of art, music, theatre and dance. There is something for everyone from comedy nights, late-night music, quiz nights, children’s activities tours, photography and exhibitions.

The Leith Gala Day at Leith Links on Saturday, June 8, features stalls from local organisations and lots of family activities. The Mainstage at Leith Gala Day this year is curated by LeithLate and The Skinny as part of the LeithLate19 weekend. They have organised a diverse line-up of female musicians and bands performing from 1.30pm, comperes Roberta Pia of The Banana Sessions - who is also performing and playing a DJ set of ‘90’s bangers’ to close. 

Taylor’s Fun Fair will be at Leith Links during the festival from Wednesday, June 5 to Sunday, June 9.

The traditional Leith Festival Tattoo takes place on Sunday, June 16 from 7pm – 8.15pm at Malmaison Tower Place, Edinburgh. It brings together music and dance from the community of Leith and includes the pipes and drums.

For details and to see the full programme visit: http://leithfestival.com/.

TOUR. Edinburgh’s Greatest Hits: The Story of the Capital’s Music

Saturdays, June 8, 15, 22 and 29, 11am – 12.30pm

Stories of the artists who have stayed, played and made music in Edinburgh are shared on these 90-minute guided walking tours.

They are led by music professionals at Edinburgh Music Tours and designed to appeal to both dedicated music fans and visitors who simply want to see Edinburgh in a new way.

The tours trace the people, venues, gigs and stories that made Edinburgh’s music.  They cover folk music hubs like Sandy Bells and The Royal Oak to grassroots venues such as Sneaky Pete’s and Bannerman’s.

Each on ends in one of Edinburgh’s best-loved folk bars. Tickets are £14 (£12 concession). For details visit: https://glasgowmusiccitytours.com/edinburgh/.

FOOD AND FILM. Movies and Shakers, Harvey Nichols, St Andrew Square

Tuesday, June 11, and Wednesday, June 26, 6.30pm

One movie, a three-course meal and a film-inspired cocktail are all included in the Movies & Shakers event series.

Films being shown at Harvey Nichols include classics from Alfred Hitchcock and Stephen Spielberg.

On Tuesday the 11^th the 1975 film Jaws will be screened an on Wednesday the 26^th it’s the 1983 movie National Lampoon’s Vacation. Next month on Tuesday the 9^th of July the film Stand By Me (1986) is in their line-up and Dirty Dancing (1987) on Tuesday 23^rd of July.

Dinner is served at 6.30pm in their Brasserie and the film begins at 8pm. Tickets cost £37.50.

For event details visit: https://www.harveynichols.com/news/2015/08/26/movies-shakers/?restaurant=edinburgh-dining. For more information, contact their Forth Floor Reception on +44 131 524 8350 or email forthfloor.reservations@harveynichols.com.

Hair the Musical. Image source.

THEATRE. Hair the Musical, Edinburgh Playhouse

Monday, June 17 – Saturday, June 22

Relive the summer of love at the 50^th anniversary production of this rock musical.

Hair the Musical celebrates its affirmation of life, freedom and equality with hits including Aquarius, Let the Sun Shine In, I Got Life and Good Morning Starshine.

It was the winner of the 2018 WhatsOnStage award and continues to garner good reviews with Time Out describing it as “sheer intoxicating joy”, and “theatrical gold by the Metro.

Tickets cost £13. Visit:  https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/hair-the-musical/edinburgh-playhouse/.

THEATRE. Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, King’s Theatre

Tuesday, June 18 – Saturday, June 22

Capital Theatre describe the production of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin:

“Cephalonia 1941. Captain Corelli, an enigmatic young Italian officer, is posted to the idyllic Greek island as part of the occupying forces. Shunned by the locals at first, he proves to be civilised, humorous - and a consummate musician.  The Captain is soon thrown together with Dr Iannis’ strong – willed and beautiful daughter Pelagia, who discovers all of the complexities of love, and how it can blossom in the most unexpected and profound way.

“A cast of fifteen actors and singers bring Louis de Bernières’ epic novel dramatically to life. Experience all of the passion and poetry that made this love story a multimillion best-selling novel and a smash-hit Hollywood movie.

“From the vivid descriptions of the village and its inhabitants, to the brutal life and epic sweep of the soldiers caught up in the constantly changing politics of war, this stunning new production is directed by Olivier and Tony-Award nominee Melly Still (My Brilliant Friend) and writer and adaptor Rona Munro (The James Plays) and includes specially commissioned music by Harry Blake.”

For details visit: https://www.capitaltheatres.com/whats-on/captaincorelli.

FILM. Edinburgh International Film Festival, Various venues across Edinburgh

Wednesday, June 19 – Sunday, June 30

Celebrating the most exciting an innovative new film talent from across the globe, this film festival has become renowned around the world for promoting the very best international cinema.

Established in 1947, the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) runs an exciting programme of film related events across Edinburgh for anyone with a passion for cinema.

For information and to view this year’s programme visit: https://www.edfilmfest.org.uk/.

Amelie the Musical. Image source.

THEATRE. Amelie the Musical, King’s Theatre

Tuesday, June 25 – Saturday, June 29

Capital Theatres describe Amelie the Musical:

“Hartshorn – Hook Productions, Selladoor Worldwide and Broadway Asia Company in association with The Watermill Theatre present Amélie.  A story of an astonishing young woman who lives quietly in the world, but loudly in her mind. She secretly improvises small, but extraordinary acts of kindness that bring happiness to those around her. But when a chance at love comes her way, Amélie realises that to find her own contentment she’ll have to risk everything and say what’s in her heart.

“Amélie, played by the delightful Audrey Brisson (The Elephantom, Pinocchio and Pericles (National Theatre), The Grinning Man (Bristol Old Vic) and more), is a new musical based on the much loved five-time Oscar®-nominated film. ‘Something magical has happened in the journey from screen to stage’ (The Telegraph).

“Nino will be played by Danny Mac (Les Miserables (Southampton), Wicked (West End), Strictly Come Dancing (BBC finalist), On The Town (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre). Come and be inspired by this imaginative dreamer who finds her voice, discovers the power of connection and sees possibilities around every corner. Although times are hard for dreamers, Amélie is someone to believe in.”

For full details visit: https://www.capitaltheatres.com/whats-on/amelie-the-musical.

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What’s On in Edinburgh this February

Here are a few exciting things to do and see in Edinburgh this month…

Ghost The Musical. Image source.

MARKET. The Pitt, Pitt Street

Saturday, February 9^th, 12pm – 10pm

The weekly Pitt market takes place at a new venue on 125, Pitt Street.

The event describes that it includes the following: “Six Nations, street food, craft beer and wine, plus the usual Pitt antics. Food line-up announced soon.”

For details and updates visit their Facebook Page at: https://www.facebook.com/pittstmarket/.

EVENT. Giant Lanterns of China, Edinburgh Zoo

Now – Sunday 17^th, February

The Giant Lanterns of China is a mile trail with more than 450 crafted lanterns which feature ancient Chinese legends and fantasy creatures.

Some of these include unicorns, giants, kelpies and the Loch Ness Monster, alongside animals past and present. There is also handmade crafts from Chinese artisans in the marketplace and hot drinks and snacks.

Tickets online are £18 for an adult and £9.50 for a child. For details visit: https://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/giant-lanterns-2018/.

EVENT. Capital SciFi Con, Edinburgh Corn Exchange

Friday 15^th – Sunday 17^th, February, 10am – 6pm (Sunday 5pm)

Edinburgh's not-for-profit pop culture, comic and movie convention for fans by fans! Comic guests and movie guests are attending.

For details go to: https://www.capitalscificon.co.uk/. To see movie guests attending visit: https://www.capitalscificon.co.uk/movie-guests . All profits go to the charity CHAS (Children’s Hospices Across Scotland).

FILM. Valentine’s Day Screening of Dirty Dancing, Cameo Cinema

Thursday, 14^th, February, 8.45pm

The Cameo describe the performance: “This timeless, Oscar winning classic is a phenomenally popular coming-of-age tale beloved by generations. Teenager Baby (Jennifer Grey), goes with her family on vacation to Kellerman’s holiday resort in the Catskill Mountains. Things are pretty tame until she meets Johnny (Patrick Swayze), a dance teacher at the resort who mesmerises Baby with his dance moves, his passion and his misunderstood ‘bad boy’ image. During the summer of 1963, Johnny teaches Baby how to dance. And, more importantly, how to love.”

MUSICAL. Jersey Boys, Edinburgh Playhouse

Tuesday 19^th February – Saturday, 2^nd, March

Read below for Edinburgh Playhouse’s overview of Jersey Boys:

“The internationally acclaimed stage sensation, Jersey Boys is working its way back to round the UK! This smash hit musical has won 57 major awards worldwide, including the Olivier Award for Best New Musical. Jersey Boys tells the true-life story of four boys from the wrong side of the tracks who wrote their own songs, invented their own unique sound, and sold 100 million records worldwide.

“Featuring hit after legendary hit including Beggin’, December 1963 (Oh What A Night), Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Walk Like A Man, Bye Bye Baby, Big Girls Don’t Cry and many more, Jersey Boys is a story full of heart, humour and ‘sheer musical razzmatazz’ (The Sunday Express) you simply will never forget.”

For information visit: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/jersey-boys/edinburgh-playhouse/.

MUSICAL. Ghost the Musical, Festival Theatre

26^th February - 2^nd March

The Festival Theatre describe Ghost The Musical: “Walking back to their apartment late one night a tragic encounter sees Sam murdered and his beloved girlfriend Molly alone, in despair and utterly lost. But with the help of a phony storefront psychic Sam, trapped between this world and the next, tries to communicate with Molly in the hope of saving her from grave danger…

“The movie ‘Ghost’ has proven to be one of cinema’s biggest all-time hits. Starring the late Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg it was the highest grossing film of 1990 and won an Oscar for screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin who has adapted his screenplay for this musical. The movie and the musical feature The Righteous Brothers’ Unchained Melody alongside many more terrific songs co-written by Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart."

For full details, see their website: https://www.capitaltheatres.com/whats-on/ghost.

RUGBY. Six Nations, Murrayfield

Here are the dates of some of the Six Nations games: 2^nd February Scotland vs Italy, 9^th February Scotland vs Ireland. Scotland games away from home: 23^rd February France vs Scotland.

Some great places to watch the rugby are: Three Sisters, Diggers (Athletic Arms), Teuchters (West End) and Brewhemia. For other suggestions, go to: https://edinburgh.org/blog/best-bars-in-edinburgh-for-watching-the-rugby/.

MUSICAL. Whats love got to do with it? A tribute to Tina Turner, Usher Hall

Wednesday 27^th, February, 7.30pm

“What's Love Got To Do With It? is the joyous new show celebrating the music of the incredible Tina Turner,” explain The Usher Hall website.

They add: “Brought to you by the award-winning producers behind the hugely successful Whitney - Queen Of The Night, What’s Love Got To Do With It? is the ultimate tribute concert to one of the most iconic and loved musical artists of our generation. 

“In this brand-new touring theatre show, audiences can expect a night of high energy, feel-good rock-and-roll featuring Tina's greatest hits performed by the amazing vocal talent of Elesha Paul Moses (Whitney - Queen Of The Night, The Voice, X Factor) supported by full ten piece live band.”

For details see: http://www.usherhall.co.uk/whats-on/what%E2%80%99s-love-got-do-it-tribute-tina-turner.

COMEDY. The Comedy Show, Gilded Balloon Basement

Friday and Saturday nights from 8pm-10pm

The Basement Theatre host ‘The Comedy Show’ which combines up-and-coming talent with Fringe favourites.

There is a different line-up and headliner every week. Tickets are £12. For details visit: https://www.gildedballoon.co.uk/programme/performances.php?eventId=14:2427.

MARKETS. Across Edinburgh

Saturday and Sundays

Traders vary from week to week at each of the markets selling goods such as art and crafts, food items, jewellery and gifts.

The Edinburgh Farmers Market, at Castle Terrace, runs on Saturdays from 9am – 2pm and sells a variety of fresh local produce from specialist producers.

The Grassmarket Weekly Market takes place on Saturdays from 10am – 5pm. The Leith Market, which includes a ‘vegan quarter’, also takes place on Saturdays and starts at 10am-4pm. The Stockbridge Market takes place on Sundays from 10am-5pm.

For details visit http://www.stockbridgemarket.com/ and http://www.edinburghfarmersmarket.co.uk/.

ART EXHIBITION. Edwin G. Lucas: An Individual Eye, City Art Gallery

Now – Sunday, 10th, February

Edwin G. Lucas (1911-1990) was one of the most unique Scottish painters of the 20th century. Born and raised in Edinburgh, he channelled the influence of Surrealism in his work, cultivating an original and highly imaginative style of painting during the 1940s and 50s that set him apart from his contemporaries. Today, however, he is virtually unknown.

Edwin G. Lucas: An Individual Eye is the first major exhibition to focus on this unusual and enigmatic artist. The free exhibition features over sixty artworks from public and private collections, including loans from the artist’s estate and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, it traces the untold story of Lucas’s life and career.

Visit: https://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/whats-on/edwin-g-lucas-individual-eye.

EXHIBITION. BP Portrait Award, National Portrait Gallery

Now – Sunday, 10^th, March

The BP Portrait Award is the most prestigious portrait painting competition in the world and represents the very best in contemporary portrait painting. With a first prize of £35,000, and a total prize fund of £74,000, the award is aimed at encouraging artists to focus upon and develop portraiture in their work. Over the years this has attracted over 40,000 entries from more than 100 countries.

A fixture at the National Portrait Gallery, London for 39 years - 29 of which have been sponsored by BP. The BP Portrait Award is now in its ninth year at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, and it continues to be an unmissable highlight of the annual art calendar.

Visit: https://www.nationalgalleries.org/exhibition/bp-portrait-award-2018.

ART EXHIBITION. Artist Rooms: Louise Bourgeois, Kettle’s Yard

Now – Sunday, 24^th, March

The free exhibition of work by Louise Bourgeois at Kettle’s Yard includes sculptures, prints and drawings, reflecting different periods in Bourgeois’ life. All works are drawn from the Artist Rooms collection.

Louise Bourgeois (1911–2010) was born in Paris and lived and worked in New York from 1938. She is widely recognised as one of the most important figures of modern and contemporary art. Often biographical, Bourgeois’ work explores themes including childhood, family, motherhood and gender identity.

She engaged with existentialism and surrealism as a young artist in Paris – where she was also mentored by Joan Miró – and moved to New York in 1938. The importance of her work was not fully recognised until the 1970s, when her career was reinvigorated by a new generation of women artists.

Her wide-ranging art, encompassed painting, sculpture, installation and printmaking, exploring themes including childhood, family, motherhood and gender identity.

EXHIBITION. Robots, National Museum of Scotland.

Now – Sunday, 5^th, May

From early mechanised human forms to today’s cutting-edge technology, this exhibition reveals our 500-year quest to make machines human.

It features more than 100 objects – from automatons to science fiction film stars and the creations of modern research labs.

Focusing on robots that are designed to resemble the human body, the exhibition explores the creation of these humanoids and the insights they offer into our ambitions and desires in a rapidly changing world.

Featured are early clockwork machines, a modern recreation of renowned British robot Eric, and stars of the silver screen including a T-800 endoskeleton used in the movie Terminator Salvation and a replica of Maria from the iconic 1927 film Metropolis.

Tickets are £10 for adults, £8 for concessions and free for children under 16. Visit: https://www.nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-scotland/whats-on/robots/.

ART EXHIBITION. Andy Warhol and Eduardo Paolozzi | I want to be a machine, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

Now – Sunday, 2^nd, June

This free exhibition takes its theme from a much-quoted remark by Andy Warhol: “I want to be a machine”. Behind Warhol’s seemingly facetious quip was the serious belief that art would become increasingly mechanised.

This exhibition examines Warhol’s and Paolozzi’s work, showing how they captured images from photography and advertisements. Warhol traced his images while Paolozzi used collage, until they both turned to screen-printing in the early 1960s to transform photographs into prints.

It includes rarely seen drawings by Warhol from the 1950s, as well as his famous multi-coloured prints of Marilyn Monroe and a group of recently acquired ‘stitched’ photographs. Works by Paolozzi include some of his early proto-Pop collages from the early 1950s and his kaleidoscopically-coloured prints from the 60s and 70s.

For more details, go to https://www.nationalgalleries.org/exhibition/andy-warhol-and-eduardo-paolozzi-i-want-be-machine.

MUSIC. The Gorms, Whiski Bar and Restaurant

Mondays and Fridays, 10pm – 12.30am

The Gorms play free mostly traditional Scottish folk music in their own distinctive way.

An element of humour usually runs through their performances, which run the gamut from soft and wistful to (more often) very rowdy. Visit their website at https://thegorms.bandcamp.com/ or view footage of the bank live on YouTube.

FILM, Cinemas across Edinburgh

With the Oscars being held on Sunday, 24^th February, there are lots of nominated options to see. Some of these include The Favourite, Can you Ever Forgive Me, Vice and Greenbook.

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What’s On in Edinburgh this January

Here are 15 exciting things to do and see in Edinburgh this month…

There are so many brilliant events happening in the capital from Burns Night celebrations and festivals to comedy shows and exhibitions. Below are just a few that you won't want to miss!

Burns Night in Edinburgh. Image source.

EVENT. Burns Night, venues across Edinburgh
Friday 18 to Sunday 27, January

There are lots of Burns Night celebrations taking place in Edinburgh to choose from.

Events take place throughout the week at venues such as the Ghillie Due. However, most are held on Friday, January 25th on the birthday of the Scottish poet Robert Burns. 

These include ceilidhs, folk bands, comedy nights and burns suppers. For our full listings visit our page https://edinburghandus.blogspot.com/2019/01/burns-night-in-edinburgh-2019.html. 

Tenebrae. Image source.

FILM. Tenebrae, Edinburgh Filmhouse Cinema
Friday 25, January at 11pm

This 1982 film has been chosen as part of the cinema’s Uncanny Valley series which plays ‘nocturnal neo-classics lurking in the shadows’.

Tenebrae was set some time in the near future, in a city affected by an unnamed disaster which left its population wealthier and less crowded. An American writer crosses paths with a deranged serial killer, taking on the role of investigator while teaming up with a detective. 

The filmhouse describe it as: ‘Quintessentially Argento, this beautifully brutal flick contains what Tarantino has called his ‘favourite on-screen murder’. But to balance the treatment of women, there is some gloriously graphic male murder by female devices in the mix. And the synth-prog soundtrack by Goblin is a masterpiece on its own.’

Award winning Pilates instructor, Hollie Grant, will take a class at the festival on Saturday morning.

FITNESS. Edinburgh Wellbeing Festival, Assembly Rooms

Saturday 26 – Sunday 27, January

A festival dedicated to health, fitness and wellbeing with talks, classes and workshops from big names in the wellness industry.

Classes are available for all levels from yoga and Pilates to HIIT and meditation. Expert advice is on healthy eating, stress, parenting, mental health, mindfulness and more. Talks and workshops are on vegan and plant-based diets, natural beauty and skincare. The event’s Wellbeing Marketplace also provides wellness products, free health MOT’s, massage and food.

Tickets are available for £27.50 for a half day entry. For details visit: https://www.edinburghwellbeingfestival.com/.

Schindler's List. Image source.

FILM. Schindler’s List 25th Anniversary, Picture House Cameo Cinema
Sunday January 27th at 1pm

One of the most critically acclaimed films of the 1990s, Schindler’s List retells the true story of Oskar Schindler (superbly played by Liam Neeson), a German Catholic industrialist who sought his fortune in the aftermath of the German invasion of Poland by exploiting his membership of the Nazi Party and cheap Jewish labour. But as the horror of the events surrounding him became apparent, Schindler risked everything to protect and save the lives of more than 1,100 Jews by sheltering them in his factory. 

Spectacularly shot in monochrome, the images are stylish, elegant, profoundly moving and increasingly more disturbing. Arguably Spielberg’s most passionate film, Schindler’s List is also one of his most restrained, avoiding the sentimentality that featured strongly in his previous work. It’s one of the best war films ever made and ranks among the greatest pictures of all time.

Visit: https://www.picturehouses.com/cinema/Cameo_Picturehouse/film/schindlers-list-25th-anniversary. 

The Gorms. Image source.

MUSIC. The Gorms, Whiski Bar and Restaurant
Mondays and Fridays, 10pm – 12.30am

The Gorms play free mostly traditional Scottish folk music in their own distinctive way. 

An element of humour usually runs through their performances, which run the gamut from soft and wistful to (more often) very rowdy. Visit their website at https://thegorms.bandcamp.com/ or view footage of the bank live on YouTube.

The Kagools will perform at The Comedy Show this month. Image source.

COMEDY. The Comedy Show, Gilded Balloon Basement

Friday and Saturday nights from 8pm-10pm

The Basement Theatre host ‘The Comedy Show’ which combines up-and-coming talent with Fringe favourites.

There is a different line-up and headliner every week. On the 18-19 January is MC: Chris Forbes with Ray Bradshaw, Zahra Barri and Mark Nelson. The 25-26 January is MC: Billy Kirkwood with Susan Riddell, Grant Busé and The Kagools.

Tickets are £12. For details visit: https://www.gildedballoon.co.uk/programme/performances.php?eventId=14:2427.

The Marshmallow Lady's stall at the Stockbridge market. Image credit: Edinburgh&Us. ©

MARKETS. Locations across Edinburgh
Saturday and Sundays

Traders vary from week to week at each of the markets selling goods such as art and crafts, food items, jewellery and gifts.

The Edinburgh Farmers Market, at Castle Terrace, runs on Saturdays from 9am – 2pm and sells a variety of fresh local produce from specialist producers.

The Grassmarket Weekly Market takes place on Saturdays from 10am – 5pm. The Leith Market, which includes a ‘vegan quarter’, also takes place on Saturdays and starts at 10am-4pm. The Stockbridge Market takes place on Sundays from 10am-5pm.

For details visit http://www.stockbridgemarket.com/ and http://www.edinburghfarmersmarket.co.uk/.

Troupe de Mille Eglantine 1896 by Henri de Toulouse Lautrec. Image source.

ART EXHIBITION. Pin-Ups: Toulouse-Lautrec and the Art of Celebrity, Scottish National Gallery
Now – Sunday 20, January

Paris in the 19th century was known as the 'city of pleasure’ - famed for its cabarets, dance halls and cafés. Most famous of all were the nightspots of the bohemian district of Montmartre, including the now legendary café-cabarets Le Moulin Rouge and Le Chat Noir. This is the area where Toulouse-Lautrec (1864-1901) lived, worked and socialised.

The exhibition focuses on Toulouse-Lautrec’s lithographic posters, portfolio prints and illustrations. These made stars of Montmartre’s venues and their entertainers - personalities such as Yvette Guilbert, Jane Avril and Aristide Bruant.

Toulouse-Lautrec’s career coincided with a revolutionary moment in the history of western printmaking - the development of the poster as a means of mass-marketing. Lithography and poster-making were central to his creative process from his first experiments in the medium in 1891 until his death in 1901.

Tickets cost £10 for adults and £5 for concessions online. Visit: https://www.nationalgalleries.org/exhibition/pin-ups-toulouse-lautrec-and-art-celebrity.

The bulgarian born, Highland based travel writer Kapka Kassabova writes about the origins of Europa and her writing is featured at The National Scottish Monument (Calton Hill) with music by Pippa Murphy.

EVENT. Message from the Skies, Various locations across Edinburgh
Now – January 25

This free event uses projections of love letters by writers to illuminate buildings around the city.

These run daily from 5pm to 10pm at locations including Calton Hill, Custom House, TechCube, Bongo Club, Tron Kirk and Leith Library.

A selection of love letters written to Europe by Billy Letford, Chitra Ramaswamy, Kapka Kassabova, Louise Welsh, Stef Smith and William Dalrymple animate the buildings.

The Scotsman describes: “these Love Letters to Europe represent a rich harvest of reflection about ourselves and our continent, at this historic turning point”.

The projections are different at each location and are four to 16 minutes long, all with a three-minute break between showings.

For information visit: https://www.edinburghshogmanay.com/whats-on/message-from-the-skies.

Terrorism (Together) 1946, by Edwin G. Lucas. Image source.

ART EXHIBITION. Edwin G. Lucas: An Individual Eye, City Art Gallery
Now – Sunday 10, February 

Edwin G. Lucas (1911-1990) was one of the most unique Scottish painters of the 20th century. Born and raised in Edinburgh, he channelled the influence of Surrealism in his work, cultivating an original and highly imaginative style of painting during the 1940s and 50s that set him apart from his contemporaries. Today, however, he is virtually unknown.

This is the first major exhibition to focus on this unusual and enigmatic artist and reveals the untold story of his life and career. It is free of charge and features over sixty artworks from public and private collections, including loans from the artist’s estate and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.

Visit: https://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/whats-on/edwin-g-lucas-individual-eye.

Giant Lanterns of China. Image source.

EVENT. Giant Lanterns of China, Edinburgh Zoo
Now – Sunday 17, February

The Giant Lanterns of China is a mile trail with more than 450 crafted lanterns which feature ancient Chinese legends and fantasy creatures.

Some of these include unicorns, giants, kelpies and the Loch Ness Monster, alongside animals past and present. There is also handmade crafts from Chinese artisans in the marketplace and hot drinks and snacks.

Tickets online are £18 for an adult and £9.50 for a child. For details visit: https://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/giant-lanterns-2018/.

'A portrait of two female painters' (2018) by Ania Hobson at the BP Portrait Award exhibition.

ART EXHIBITION. BP Portrait Award 2018, Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Now – Sunday 10, March

The BP Portrait Award is the most prestigious portrait painting competition in the world and represents the very best in contemporary portrait painting. With a first prize of £35,000, and a total prize fund of £74,000, the award is aimed at encouraging artists to focus upon and develop portraiture in their work. Over the years this has attracted over 40,000 entries from more than 100 countries.

A fixture at the National Portrait Gallery, London for 39 years - 29 of which have been sponsored by BP. The BP Portrait Award is now in its ninth year at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, and it continues to be an unmissable highlight of the annual art calendar.

See: https://www.nationalgalleries.org/exhibition/bp-portrait-award-2018.

Artist Julie Roberts pictured with some of her paintings. Image source.

EXHIBITION. Another Country, City Art Centre
Now – Sunday 17, March  

This free exhibition examines contemporary immigration to Scotland, exploring themes of integration, nationality and identity.

It brings together eleven leading artists from distinct ethnically and culturally diverse backgrounds, all born or currently living in Scotland. All sides of the debate are being considered but central to the exhibition are New Scots themselves.

The exhibition does not aim to instruct the visitor but rather encourage discussion, and throughout its duration it offers the opportunity to create sustainable dialogue with audiences that will increase understanding and lead to new insights into community building.

Artists include: Graham Fagen, Owen Logan, Andrew Gilbert, Toby Paterson and Julie Roberts.

For information visit: https://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/whats-on/another-country.

Spider Couple (2003) sculpture by Louise Bourgeois. Image source.

ART EXHIBITION. Artist Rooms: Louise Bourgeois, Kettle’s Yard
Now – Sunday 24, March

The free exhibition of work by Louise Bourgeois at Kettle’s Yard includes sculptures, prints and drawings, reflecting different periods in Bourgeois’ life. All works are drawn from the Artist Rooms collection.

Louise Bourgeois (1911–2010) was born in Paris and lived and worked in New York from 1938. She is widely recognised as one of the most important figures of modern and contemporary art. Often biographical, Bourgeois’ work explores themes including childhood, family, motherhood and gender identity.

She engaged with existentialism and surrealism as a young artist in Paris – where she was also mentored by Joan Miró – and moved to New York in 1938. The importance of her work was not fully recognised until the 1970s, when her career was reinvigorated by a new generation of women artists.

Her wide-ranging art, encompassed painting, sculpture, installation and printmaking, exploring themes including childhood, family, motherhood and gender identity.

Go to: https://www.nationalgalleries.org/exhibition/artist-rooms-louise-bourgeois-kettles-yard.

Replica of Maria, designed by Walter Schulze-Mittendorff for Fritz Lang's film Metropolis, 1927.

EXHIBITION. Robots, National Museum of Scotland.
Now – Sunday 5, May

From early mechanised human forms to today’s cutting-edge technology, this exhibition reveals our 500-year quest to make machines human.

It features more than 100 objects – from automatons to science fiction film stars and the creations of modern research labs.

Focusing on robots that are designed to resemble the human body, the exhibition explores the creation of these humanoids and the insights they offer into our ambitions and desires in a rapidly changing world.

Featured are early clockwork machines, a modern recreation of renowned British robot Eric, and stars of the silver screen including a T-800 endoskeleton used in the movie Terminator Salvation and a replica of Maria from the iconic 1927 film Metropolis.

Tickets are £10 for adults, £8 for concessions and free for children under 16. Visit: https://www.nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-scotland/whats-on/robots/.

Jacqueline Kennedy II by Andy Warhol. Image source.

ART EXHIBITION. Andy Warhol and Eduardo Paolozzi | I want to be a machine, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
Now – Sunday 2, June

This free exhibition takes its theme from a much-quoted remark by Andy Warhol: “I want to be a machine”. Behind Warhol’s seemingly facetious quip was the serious belief that art would become increasingly mechanised.

This exhibition examines Warhol’s and Paolozzi’s work, showing how they captured images from photography and advertisements. Warhol traced his images while Paolozzi used collage, until they both turned to screen-printing in the early 1960s to transform photographs into prints.

It includes rarely seen drawings by Warhol from the 1950s, as well as his famous multi-coloured prints of Marilyn Monroe and a group of recently acquired ‘stitched’ photographs. Works by Paolozzi include some of his early proto-Pop collages from the early 1950s and his kaleidoscopically-coloured prints from the 60s and 70s.

For more details, go to https://www.nationalgalleries.org/exhibition/andy-warhol-and-eduardo-paolozzi-i-want-be-machine.

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