The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Famous character celebrated in new exhibition Author honoured by writers’ museum
Rebus creator Ian Rankin has joined the illustrious ranks of Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns and Robert Louis Stevenson.
The Fifer crime writer is being celebrated in a new exhibition at Edinburgh’s Writers’ Museum.
A rare selection of personal items, manuscripts and images belonging to the best-selling author are on show in a new exhibition celebrating the 30th anniversary of his much-loved sleuth Detective Inspector Rebus.
Co-curated by Rankin and the museum, Rebus30 explores the relationship between the man and his character and their connections with Edinburgh’s places, people and history.
This weekend will be one of literature, music, art and film in Rebus’s home town.
“I don’t think the Rebus novels could be set anywhere else – they really are about Edinburgh,” Rankin explained.
“I still haven’t got to the bottom of what makes Edinburgh tick or what makes it a unique setting.
“It just seems to be a place that has influenced writers, and continues to nurture writers.”
Edinburgh’s culture and communities convener, Donald Wilson, said: “Celebrating 30 years of Edinburgh’s favourite super sleuth, RebusFest delves into the murky underworld of Inspector Rebus and the imaginative mind of his maker.
“Over three decades, Rebus has evolved into one of the nation’s most familiar fictional figures; as ingrained in popular culture as Miss Jean Brodie or Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.”
Curatorial and engagement manager Gillian Findlay said it had been incredible to scratch below the surface of the Rebus stories for this very personal display.
The exhibition runs at the museum until January 21.