Children from Granton Primary school have put together a colourful exhibition of their artwork to mark the 30th anniversary of the Old and New Towns World Heritage Site in Edinburgh.
The birthday celebration commemorating three decades since the Site was inscribed by UNESCO in 1995 has been used as inspiration for 28 artworks beautifully painted and mounted by the pupils themselves. They feature historic landmarks and buildings such as Edinburgh Rooftops, The Royal Mile, White Horse Close, the Mercat Cross and many more.
The class of primary four pupils worked with local artist Stephanie Walker on their ‘Imagine if…’ project. Stephanie helped the children put together artwork using the Old Town to help spark excitement and curiosity for the world around us. The aim of the project is to create a connection and a sense of wonder for the valuable heritage Edinburgh is so famous for.
The exhibition is to open in the Museum of Edinburgh running from Saturday 10 October until Sunday 10 January next year.
Local artist Stephanie Walker said:
“It’s so exciting to see the ‘Imagine if…’ project come together. It’s about to open now and the children are so excited to see their work professionally displayed.
“They put so much hard work into their designs and final paintings following a series of art sessions to help them imagine and create their work.
“We visited the World Heritage Site twice and the children brainstormed and shared ideas about what they had seen. They used the areas historic features such as the cobbled streets and listed buildings as visual aids to start their paintings. After some time sketching they all settled on their favourite scene. They should be so proud of the colourful and vibrant work they have created.”
Cllr Joan Griffiths Planning Convener said:
“I’m really looking forward to seeing this project brought to life in the Museum of Edinburgh in the heart of the city’s World Heritage Site. The children have put so much effort into the paintings we are going to display. ‘Imagine if…’ is both creative and educational as it has allowed the pupils from a different area of the city to use art to help bring to life different aspects of the World Heritage Site such as the buildings and skylines that they find inspirational.
“It is important that we preserve our World Heritage Site for future generations and I’m hoping this experience, seeing their work so beautifully displayed, means they will remember it and will value passing on their knowledge about what they have learned about how special the site is to others in the future.”
Photography enthusiasts are also being encouraged to enter a competition to celebrate the 30 years milestone running until the end of October.
Entries will be grouped into twelve categories, each celebrating a particular value of Scotland’s capital city. The winning photograph in each category will become part of a year-long calendar, which will be sold on Historic Scotland sites and at Edinburgh World Heritage events to raise money for the Trust. The over-all winner will take pride of place on the front cover of the calendar and will receive a one-year membership for Historic Scotland, who run top-rated visitor attractions all over the country.
Further information
Captions for the artwork in the exhibition
Edinburgh Rooftops
Sima
In class I enjoyed learning about old people from Auld Reekie, especially the caddies.
The Fantastic Royal Mile
Jumana
I liked how we could decorate our art folders and draw fascinating artefacts like statues and paintings.
The Mercat Cross
Georgia
My favourite artefact in the museum was the sedan chair because it was interesting learning about who would travel in it.
The Adventures of Auld Reekie
Sophia
Thank you for helping me with the amazing art project. I liked the ancient artefacts because they were marvellous.
Edinburgh World
Nicolas
Thank you for helping me with my art. I liked the Royal Mile.
Nelson’s Sedan Chairs
Andikan
My favourite part was when we looked at Canongate Kirk because there was a place where we could sketch the Nelson Monument.
White Horse Close
Mason
Thank you for inviting my class to the Museum of Edinburgh. It was a splendid time. I loved learning about the artefacts.
The Skyline of Edinburgh
Jasiu
My favourite part about the art project was the Gelli printing and the acetate.
Auld Reekie Buildings
Ava
On the trips to the museum I loved exploring the incredible objects and sketching them because I found them remarkable and fascinating.
The Royal Mile
Isabella
My favourite thing to do at the museum was when we were sketching someone or something.
The Great Firework Party
Amelia
My favourite artefacts are the stag’s head, the Greyfriars Bobby statue and the Great Fire picture. I’m very proud and happy with my work.
The Oldest Building in Town
Julia
My favourite artefact to learn about was Greyfriars Bobby because it’s impressive he sat on his owner’s grave for 14 years!
The Grand Colour
Prerak
It was amazing to visit the Museum of Edinburgh. It was wonderful exploring and I enjoyed learning about Auld Reekie. It was so fun.
The Sunset in Edinburgh
Sammy
It was delightful to visit the Museum of Edinburgh on the Royal Mile. I liked learning about Auld Reekie.
Hidden Edinburgh
Isla
Thank you for helping us with art. In class I liked painting on the Gelli mat.
The Castle Wall and Bakehouse Close
Liam
In class I liked the drawing and acetate and Gelli printing. Thanks for taking us to the Museum of Edinburgh.
Fireworks at the Royal Mile
Jake
I was very excited to go to the Museum of Edinburgh but my favourite part was when we did the sketching.
The Golden Castle and Tower
Lily
My favourite artefact was Greyfriars Bobby because he is very cute and adorable. I love Greyfriars Bobby!
Golden Old Reekie
Joey
Thank you for inviting our class to be part of the impressive art project. It was remarkable to visit the Museum of Edinburgh.
Beautiful Edinburgh
Ellie
Thank you for letting us do the activities. I felt proud and happy.
Auld Reekie City
Tony
My favourite part was when we did the Gelli printing. In class I liked the rolling because it was satisfying.
Castle Fireworks
Dantie
Milhelmina The Countess
Millie
The Caddie and the Castle
Jack
A Castle
Ragnar
Jailbreak from Edinburgh Dungeon
Chase
Edinburgh Castle
Youssou
The Old-Fashioned Road
Eylem