HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN - LIFE AND ART

150 years ago Hans Christian Andersen visited Edinburgh. Never before in Britain has there been a large exhibition telling the story of the life and work of this world famous author. Born in Denmark he wrote over 150 fairy stories, many becoming classics of children's literature such as The Emperor's New Clothes and The Ugly Duckling. This exhibition tells his story, with photographs, books, a wonderful collection of his home made books, papercuts and drawings with some personal items, most never seen before in Britain. The exhibition has been devised by Odense City Museums, the Danish Cultural Institute and the Museum of Childhood, Edinburgh.

ROOTS - THE AFRICAN INHERITANCE IN SCOTLAND

An exhibition which explores the history and presence of African, Caribbean and peoples of African/Caribbean descent in Scotland from the sixteenth century to the 1990s. The show will draw the attention of Scots to a heritage shared with black peoples. Interesting themes and topics are identified including early travel, trade, education, music and family life. Women's experiences are drawn out and racism is foregrounded. This exhibition is part of the Scotland/Africa '97 festival, and has received support from the Scottish Museums Council.

BROAD BAY

A collaboration between poet lan Stephen and artist David Greenall.
The Hebridean island of Lewis, and its maritime traditions, provide the common thread to this exhibition. The core of the show is a group of paintings by David Greenall inspired by Stephen's brief word poems, and in some cases incorporating the texts. This is complemented with additional works by both artists, including paintings, photographs, and sculptural elements.

GIFTED

A selection of works acquired for the City through the Jean F Watson Bequest Fund.
In December 1961 a written agreement was signed by an Edinburgh lady, Miss Jean F Watson and the Corporation of the City of Edinburgh, by which a fund was established to purchase works of art for the City in memory of Miss Watson's parents. Today, over 30 years later, the City's fine art collection is still expanding using monies gifted by Miss Watson. This exhibition presents a selection of the paintings, drawings, photographs, prints and sculpture which have been acquired during that time. Many of Scotland's most important artists now have works represented in the collection, and the display will include examples by J D Fergusson, Sir William McTaggart, Joan Eardley, as well as younger artists such as Dorothy Black, Gwen Hardie and James Hawkins.

MARGARET MELLIS - RETROSPECTIVE EXHIBITION

This retrospective is an opportunity to reassess the career of Margaret Mellis, a significant British artist closely associated with the development of the St. Ives school in the 40s. The work on show ranges from early collages and colour structure paintings of the 60s, to more recent constructions made from driftwood and found objects, testifying to the artist's continuing innovation and creativity.