In Focus: Scottish Photography
7 July 2018 – 12 May 2019
City Art Centre, Edinburgh
Open 7 days a week 10am to 5pm, Free Admission
Scotland has played a central role in the history of fine art photography since the mid 19th century. The pioneering work of Edinburgh duo David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson helped to lay the foundations of this art form in the 1840s, inspiring subsequent generations to explore both its documentary potential and aesthetic possibilities.
In Focus: Scottish Photography showcases the City Art Centre’s photographic collections, charting the development of fine art photography in Scotland from the 19th century to present day. The exhibition features work by a range of historic and contemporary artists, including Hill and Adamson, Thomas Begbie, Joseph McKenzie, David Williams, Maud Sulter, Wendy McMurdo, Calum Colvin, Christine Borland and Dalziel + Scullion.
In Focus: Scottish Photography is part of a series of collection-based exhibitions which have been taking place on the Lower Ground Floor of the City Art Centre, which is owned and managed by the City of Edinburgh Council, since its redevelopment in 2014. These exhibitions showcase different aspects of the Fine Art collection exploring a variety of time periods, artistic media and subject areas.
Councillor Donald Wilson, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “In an age when everyone has a camera in their pocket and can take a photograph in seconds, this display of fine art photography reminds us of the beauty and skill of a perfect shot.
“Charting the development of fine art in Scotland, the City Art Centre delves into Edinburgh’s collection of incredible photographs for this display, which highlights remarkable advances in camera technology as much as it does changing styles, landscapes, fashions and snapshots in time. Treat yourself to a visit for free when ‘In Focus’ opens this summer.”
Curator Dr Helen Scott said, “The City Art Centre holds a rich and diverse group of photographic works as part of its wider Fine Art collection. This includes work by some of the leading names in the history of Scottish photography, as well as artists who have distinguished themselves through this medium in more recent years. The exhibition covers a wide array of subject-matter, from portraits and landscapes to still life assemblages and conceptual themes. It also explores some of the different photographic techniques that artists have used to create their images. In many ways the exhibition is a celebration of the versatility of Scottish photography, and a testament to the combined power of scientific technology and the human imagination.
“This project has been fascinating to work on – not least because of the enduring potency of so many of the images. Cameras are everywhere these days, and you would think this might lessen the impact of photographic images, but the best ones still have the ability to stop us in our tracks. This is first time in over a decade that the highlights of the City’s photographic collection have been displayed together in one place, and it’s a great opportunity to remind ourselves of the magic of this artform.”
www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/whats-on/focus-scottish-photography
ASSOCIATED EVENTS
A number of free events are taking place alongside this exhibition. Booking is essential and can be done online at www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk or by calling City Art Centre reception on 0131 529 3993.
Saturday 7 July, 10.30am - 3.30pm
Stereoscopic 3D Images - Creative Workshop
To complement our In Focus: Scottish Photography exhibition, this workshop will reveal the theory and practice of the wonderful process of Stereoscopic Photography. Ideal for anyone searching a new photography technique. After an introduction to the technique, you will get the chance to go out and experiment with your camera, then come back to make your own stereoscopic photos with amazing depth.
Bring your own digital camera or even a smartphone.
Saturday 28 July, 2pm
Behind ‘Real Edinburgh’
‘Real Edinburgh’ is one of Edinburgh’s biggest photography platforms with a large social media following. Join Grant Ritchie to hear about the inspiration behind ‘Real Edinburgh’. Grant will also discuss his favourite images, the stories behind them and which photographers have influenced him.
Saturday 15 September, 12.30pm - 4.30pm
Exploring Bookbinding & Cyanotype
£30
To complement our In Focus: Scottish Photography exhibition, join artist Cassandra Barron to make your own hand-printed papers, and then learn how to bind them together, using a decorative stitch, to create a photo album or journal. An opportunity to explore a number of mark-making techniques, including cyanotype printing and stamping, using found materials as well as your own designs. Leave the workshop with your own unique photo album or journal full of pattern and texture, as well as the skills to make many more.
Thursday 27 September, 2pm
Light in the Darkness: Hill & Adamson’s Pioneering Photography
Anne Lyden, International Photography Curator at the National Galleries of Scotland will explore the pioneering partnership of David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson, two Scottish photographers from the 1840s. Drawing inspiration from the writings, philosophies and art of the Scottish Enlightenment, these two men created a distinct approach to the new medium of photography and in doing so established Edinburgh as an important locale within the history of photography around the world.
Thursday 27 September, 3pm
In Focus: Scottish Photography - Curator’s Tour
Dr Helen Scott, Curator of Fine Art, provides a tour of the exhibition In Focus: Scottish Photography, charting the development of fine art photography in Scotland from the 19th century to present day.
Saturday 13 October, 10.30am - 3.30pm
Stereoscopic 3D Images - Creative Workshop
To complement our In Focus: Scottish Photography exhibition, this workshop will reveal the theory and practice of the wonderful process of Stereoscopic Photography. Ideal for anyone searching a new photography technique. After an introduction to the technique, you will get the chance to go out and experiment with your camera, then come back to make your own stereoscopic photos with amazing depth.
Bring your own digital camera or even a smartphone.
Saturday 20 October, 2pm
Photography into Art
Photography has influenced artists for decades. Erik Petrie is an artist who uses photography in every aspect of his paintings depicting the changing landscape and seasons. Join Erik for a talk outlining his journey as an artist and how photography influences him.
Saturday 24 November, 2pm
Behind ‘Spectacular Scotland’
‘Spectacular Scotland’ is one of Scotland’s biggest photography platforms with a large social media following. Join Neil McDade to discuss the success of ‘Spectacular Scotland’. Neil will also discuss his favourite images, the stories behind them and which photographers have inspired him.
Gallery Tours
Join one of the excellent guides on a spotlight tour of the exhibition. There is no need to book for groups fewer than 10 people. Please meet at reception. A portable loop system is available to amplify the guide. The fm loop system is compatible with hearing aids with a T switch and can be used with headphones.
Fridays at 3pm and Saturdays at 3pm
Photography Tours with Jessops
Booking essential. To book, please contact the City Art Centre reception on 0131 529 3993 or visit www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk
To complement our In Focus: Scottish Photography exhibition, we are thrilled to be collaborating with Jessops who are offering 3 special photography tuition photo-walks. Bring your camera and receive expert tuition looking at some of the City Centre landmarks.
Saturday 8 September - Family Day for over 12yr olds and parents.
10am - 4pm - stopping for a lunch break - bring a packed lunch.
£6 per person. The walk will start and finish at Jessops store, 8 Castle St, Edinburgh EH2 3AT. Meet at 10am.
Saturday 15 September - Adult Day
10am - 4pm - stopping for a lunch break - bring a packed lunch.
£10 per person. The walk will start and finish at Jessops store, 8 Castle St, Edinburgh EH2 3AT. Meet at 10am. Booking essential.
Saturday 6 October - Adult Day
10am - 4pm - stopping for a lunch break - bring a packed lunch.
£10 per person. The walk will start and finish at Jessops store, 8 Castle St, Edinburgh EH2 3AT. Meet at 10am.
For more information on In Focus: Scottish Photography please contact Susie Gray – Susie@thecornershoppr.com 07834 073 795 or Kate Bouchier-Hayes – kate@thecornershoppr.com 07825 335489
More information on the exhibition and details of further events will be released closer to the opening. In Focus: Scottish Photography is part of the Edinburgh International Arts Festival 2018.
Venue Details:
Address: City Art Centre, 2 Market Street, Edinburgh EH1 1DE
Telephone: 0131 529 3993
Website: www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk
Twitter: @EdinCulture
Facebook: Facebook.com/City.Art.Centre.CAC
Pinterest: pinterest.com/edinburghcc/city-art-centre
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday 10am - 5pm
City Art Centre:
The City Art Centre is one of Edinburgh’s main public art galleries. It is owned and managed by the City of Edinburgh Council. It is home to the City’s collection of historic and contemporary Scottish art, one of the best in the country. The gallery hosts a vibrant programme of exhibitions from its collection and by contemporary local, national and international artists and makers.