Auld Reekie Retold
Art from the city’s collection charts Edinburgh’s story
MUSEUMS & GALLERIES Edinburgh's collections belong to the city, and a new exhibition will give everyone in Edinburgh a sense of ownership of and connection to its objects and their stories. The display will mark the culmination of Auld Reekie Retold, the largest collections inventory project ever undertaken in the organisation's history and runs until February 2023.
Over the past three years, this ambitious project has recorded, catalogued and revealed thousands of items housed in stores and venues across the City. Auld
Reekie Retold connects objects in the collection, which has been growing steadily since the 1870s, with people and places in the city, uncovering new stories from Edinburgh and its residents.
The culture body have told some of the stories online, with their digital events and this exhibition will be a chance to see some of the highlight objects uncovered by the team, and also to find out about the behind the scenes work involved in maintaining the collection.
Cllr Donald Wilson, Culture and Communities Convener said:”As we look ahead to 2022 at the City Art Centre it looks set to be a truly great year. The City Art Centre is one of the most accessible places in the Capital for art lovers and is home to Edinburgh's art collection, one of the finest in the country.
“We're delighted to be playing our part in the Edinburgh Art Festival and hosting some fantastic exhibitions. There are many highlights throughout the year beginning in Spring with 'National Treasure: The Scottish Modern Arts Association'. The major two-floor exhibition will tell visitors the story of the unique collection and the artists behind it including works by William McTaggart and Joan Eardley.
“And then later in the year we'll host the fascinating findings from 'Auld Reekie Retold'. This fantastic project is allowing us to develop a fuller understanding and appreciation of what we have right here in our collections. The project has helped to uncover their stories, broaden participation with our Museums & Galleries and ensure their long-term relevance. This is the story of our great city that we all love. It needs to be told and I look forward to visitors discovering it for themselves this autumn.”