November is one of those bizarre months in between all the Halloween-related things and Christmas, a still month filled with anticipation. It’s slowly getting darker and colder and the temptation to stay indoors is strong – but is it really necessary? This month, we’re bringing you a new batch of events worth visiting!

ART

Dürer to Van Dyck | Drawings from Chatsworth House  (Royal Scottish Academy)

From Sat 9 Nov 2024 – Sun 23 Feb 2025

Open daily, 10am–5pm

Tickets £4–£14

One of the most anticipated exhibitions (at least for me), it will include over 50 watercolours and drawings from various artists from the Flemish, German, and Dutch spheres. It will include Albrecht Dürer, Hans Holbein the Younger, and Sir Peter Paul Rubens, as well as Anthony van Dyck, and Rembrandt.

You can find more information about the exhibition here.

George Wilson | Private Landscapes (National Gallery of Scotand)

On now until Sun 9 Feb 2025

Open daily, 10am–5pm

Free admission

George Wilson, a lesser-known master of watercolours was a humble man. He was part of a collective called ‘Brotherhood’, name inspired by the Pre-Raphaelites. His watercolours are warm and fascinating, as he skillfully paints the picture of Scottish landscapes and other European places. Strongly recommended! More information here.

Stitched: Scotland’s Embroidered Art – Dovecot Studios

25th October 2024 – 18th January 2025

Dovecot Studios, Infirmary Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1LT

From £6.00 to £12.00 per person

 The exhibition will explore 200 years of embroidery from the National Trust for Scotland’s collection of textiles. You will be able to discover 80 embroidered textiles from 1720 to 1920, including armchairs, large bed hangings, fire screens, tablecloths, cushions and tea cosies. More information here.

Ptolemy Mann: Woven Colour – Dovecot Studios

9 November 2024 – 15 March 2025

Tapestry Balcony

An exhibition featuring her magnificent handwoven rugs and groundbreaking, vibrant Thread Paintings alongside paintings on paper and canvas. Please note that this exhibition is on the tapestry studio viewing balcony and is open for limited hours – Monday to Friday, 12:00 – 15:00 and Saturday, 10:00 – 17:00. Find out more here.

Through Line – City Art Centre

9th November 2024 – 2nd March 2025

City Art Centre, Market Street, Edinburgh, UK

Adult £5.00; concessions £3.00 (joint entry for Pop Life and Through Line).

An exhibition devoted to an exploration of line in contemporary art and crafts. It will include ceramics, drawing, jewellery, painting, printmaking, poetry and textiles worshipping the simplicity of the concept of a line. More information here.

Inked Up: Printmaking in Scotland – City Art Centre

Sat 14 Sep 2024 to Sun 1 Jun 2025

City Art Centre

Free entry, donations welcome

To quote the website: ‘Inked Up: Printmaking in Scotland celebrates this versatile artform, presenting a selection of works from the City Art Centre’s permanent collection of fine art. The exhibition showcases both historic and contemporary prints, with examples of relief printing, intaglio printing, lithography and screenprinting. Featured artists include: Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, Muirhead Bone, D.Y. Cameron, Victoria Crowe, Anupa Gardner, Jane Hyslop, Walter Geikie, Leena Nammari, Eduardo Paolozzi, Anne Redpath, Willie Rodger, Mabel Royds, Paul Sandby and William Wilson. ‘ More information here.

ACTIVITIES

Creative Workshop: An Introduction to Drawing Scottish Wildlife – National Museum of Scotland

Sat 9 Nov, 11:00 – 16:00

£50, £45 Members & Conc.

To quote the website: ‘Using pencils, artist Meg Buick will teach you how to create various textures and marks to depict the animal world, using tone and contrast to achieve a three-dimensional effect. The focus will be on using creativity to improve your understanding of and appreciation for the animals being drawn, rather than depicting an accurate likeness.’ It sounds like a really cool way to spend a Saturday and you can learn to draw wildlife. I think this sounds like money well spent! More information here.

Christmas Unique Handmade Gifts Fair – Little Plaza, Haddington Place, Edinburgh

Homeware, jewellery, anything you need to make your friends and family feel loved and unique. It is also kid-friendly. More info here.

Winter Open Studios – Out of the Blue, Leith, Edinburgh

30th November – 1st December

Out of the Blue Abbeymount Studios, Easter Road, Edinburgh, UK

Free entry

An opportunity to mingle with artists, get started on your Christmas presents, and feast visually on ceramics, paintings, glass, and other intricate items on display. More information here.