A packed three months of Winter events ahead at National Galleries of Scotland

National Galleries of Scotland is lighting up the dark winter nights with a packed three months of events across the National, Modern and Portrait galleries in Edinburgh.

Article Source: National Galleries Scotland
Last Updated: 12 November 2024 12:58

Whether taking a deep dive into the exhibitions with talks, tours and music or being inspired to create your own art at the workshops, there is something for everyone to discover this winter.

Take a breather from the chaos of Christmas shopping and discover the galleries showstopping exhibitions and free events. Delve into the exhibitions with a calendar of events at the Hawthornden lecture theatre or from the comfort of home, streamed live on YouTube. Artist Bruce McLean talks all about his exhibition at Modern One, I Want My Crown, in-conversation with Sophia Yadong Hao (Director and Principal Curator of Cooper Gallery, University of Dundee) on 19 November. The conversation will be peppered with anecdotes about two Dundee cakes, an invisible residency and opera in a glasshouse. Or join architects Professor Fiona McLachlan (University of Edinburgh) and Dr William McLean (University of Westminster) for a conversation about McLean’s work on the unrealised 1996 Argyle Street Project, among other projects related the built environment on 12 November.

At the Royal Scottish Academy building from the 9 November, discover the once in a lifetime opportunity to see drawings from Chatsworth House. Join curator Tico Seifert on 27 November as he lifts the lid on the spectacular group of over 50 Flemish, Dutch, Early Netherlandish, and German drawings coming to Scotland for the first time for the Dürer to Van Dyck: Drawings from Chatsworth House exhibition. As part of the programme of events for the exhibition, on 7 January Leonore van Sloten, Senior Curator at the Rembrandt House Museum in Amsterdam will speak about Rembrandt's drawn observations of Theatre.

In January, National Galleries of Scotland is kicking off the 250th birthday of much-loved artist, Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775-1851), with a special celebration. From New Year’s Day, visitors to the treasured Turner in January exhibition can marvel at a new selection of over 30 watercolours that have never been seen before in Scotland, in an exchange with the National Gallery of Ireland. On 14 January Anne Hodge, Curator of Prints and Drawings will focus on the story of the National Gallery of Ireland’s collection in A Bequest of Great Value: The Turner Watercolours at the National Gallery of Ireland at the National’s Hawthornden lecture theatre and livestreamed via YouTube.

Be inspired by stories of collaboration, creativity and rebellion in Women in Revolt! Art and Activism in the UK 1970-1990 at Modern Two. On 24 January this is a final chance to hear about this fascinating exhibition before it closes. Join Gemma Rolls-Bentley, curator and author of Queer Art, in conversation with artist France-Lise McGurn whose mother, Rita McGurn is a featured artist in the Women in Revolt! exhibition.

Experience your national collection and learn more about the incredible art belonging to the people of Scotland. On 14 November, writer Sara Sheridan joins Director-General of the National Galleries of Scotland Anne Lyden at the Portrait, to share excerpts from her latest novel The Secrets of Blythswood Square and how she took inspiration from earliest photography in the National collection. With art works by Charles Rennie Mackintosh featured in the new Scottish galleries, on Tuesday 3 December cultural historian Dr Robyne Calvert offers a different perspective as she looks at some of the famous artists most monumental works in architecture. Join in person at the National’s Hawthornden lecture theatre or online via YouTube as Dr Robyne Calvert takes an in depth look at The Mackintosh building at the Glasgow School of Art. Presenting the up-to-date story of the building, outlining its significance and making a case for its reconstruction, this talk discusses what yet survives and the possibilities for the building’s future.

Fit in some Christmas shopping on November 23 and 24 as Tea Green events return to the National with their winter market. Welcoming nearly 80 independent designers, the market will be a showcase of creative talent.

Be immersed in the magical free live music events all while soaking up the beautiful art and surroundings of the National. Duo Matthew Kilner (saxophone) and Kevin Henderson (guitar) will play a seasonal jazz set on 5 December. Experience a moment of serenity with solo harpist Mary Reid as she performs everything from 17th century to present day compositions on 9 January. Or join Artisan Ensemble for a special Burns evening on 23 January as they perform a suite of music inspired by Scottish 19th century Glasgow Boys painters and songs by Robert Burns.

Indulge your own creative energy with The Drawing Room workshops. Offering a unique space to playfully explore creativity and drawing, with absolutely no experience necessary to get involved in these hands-on making sessions. These joyous sessions bring fresh, relevant and accessible approaches to drawing from some of Scotland’s most exciting artists. Be inspired by the empowering world of Woman in Revolt! At Modern Two on 13 November, or take inspiration from drawings from the 1500 to 1700s in Dürer to Van Dyck: Drawings from Chatsworth House at the National on 15 January. The workshops offer the opportunity to look at the range of possibilities within contemporary drawing practice. For those unable to make it to the gallery there is the opportunity to get involved online via Zoom with The Drawing Room Kitchen Table on 11 December. Exploring some favourite experimental drawing exercises and techniques, aimed at boosting drawing confidence.

Image: National Galleries of Scotland, The Drawing Room session at Modern One.

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A packed three months of Winter events ahead at National Galleries of Scotland

National Galleries of Scotland is lighting up the dark winter nights with a packed three months of events across the National, Modern and Portrait galleries in Edinburgh.

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