Hidden Gems opens at Edinburgh’s City Art Centre on 7 October 2017
EDINBURGH’S CITY ART CENTRE REVEALS ITS HIDDEN GEMS
Showcasing 50 artworks from the City Art Centre’s collection that have rarely – and in some cases never - been seen before by the public, an exhibition opening at the City Art Centre this weekend (Saturday 7 October) will shine a spotlight on Edinburgh’s lesser-known treasures.
Free to visit, Hidden Gems will include artworks by famous names such as Lucien Pissarro, Man Ray, Joshua Reynolds and F.C.B Cadell, as well as lesser-known figures such as Bessie MacNicol, John Sheriff and Cecile Walton. The display will also bring several new acquisitions to public view for the first time, including significant works by Scottish artists Morris Grassie, Anthony Hatwell and Nicol Laidlaw.
Spanning over 200 years from the 18th century to the present day, this rich and eclectic selection of historic and modern art covers a range of media, from oil paintings and sculptures, to tapestries and artists’ books.
Councillor Donald Wilson, Edinburgh’s Culture and Communities Convener, said: “The City Art Centre’s fine art collection is recognised as being of national importance and features over 4,800 items. While famous old favourites are exhibited often, this exhibition is an opportunity to showcase some of the collection's hidden gems. It features many beautiful artworks of different eras, genres and styles. We are really looking forward to sharing them for the first time."
City Art Centre Curator of Fine Art, Dr Helen Scott, added: “Some of these pieces are stand-alone artworks that do not fit easily into thematic or chronological displays. Others represent unfamiliar periods in artists’ careers, or are by artists who were successful in their day but are now virtually forgotten.
“Celebrating the unsung and the unusual, this exhibition has been a joy to curate. It should be a rich and varied display featuring some artworks which have, simply, never had a chance to shine.”
Hidden Gems
7 October 2017 to 13 May 2018
City Art Centre, Edinburgh
Free Admission
Exhibition Dates:
Hidden Gems runs from 7 October 2017 to 13 May 2018
Admission:
Admission free
Learning and Public Programmes:
A varied programme of creative workshops, talks and tours accompanies this exhibition. The City Art Centre is also offering regular spotlight tours with its excellent in-house guides. For further information please contact Margaret Findlay, Learning and Programmes Manager on 0131 529 3963 or by email margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk
Venue Details:
Address: City Art Centre, 2 Market Street, Edinburgh EH1 1DE
Telephone: 0131 529 3993
Website: www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk
Twitter: @EdinCulture
Opening hours: Wednesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday 12noon - 5pm
City Art Centre Collection
• The City Art Centre is owned and managed by the City of Edinburgh Council
• The City Art Centre’s fine art collection includes works by leading Scottish artists from the 17th century to present day
• The venue has one of the best collections of Scottish art in the country, consisting of over 4,800 works including paintings, watercolours, drawings, prints, photographs, sculpture and installation art
• The City of Edinburgh Council also manages the following venues: Writers’ Museum, Museum of Childhood, Museum of Edinburgh, People’s Story, Scott Monument, Nelson Monument, Lauriston Castle and Queensferry Museum.
For further information, images or interview requests please contact Katy Allison, Media and Social Media Officer on 0131 529 4452 / 07885 976 519 or katy.allison@edinburgh.gov.uk