This week, we provide a quick blog post to highlight a sort of ‘What’s Happening in Edinburgh Now’ event. From time to time, we like to do these posts so, if you’re visiting, you can see a non-sponsored perspective of (temporary) fun events and activities happening in Edinburgh at that moment in time. With the numerous festivals in Edinburgh during the month of August, we decided to feature an event that might not be as well known (at least outside the city).
Part of the famous Edinburgh Fringe, the West End Fair is billed as ‘Scotland’s Premier Art and Design Fair’. The Fair is an annual event held in St John’s churchyard on the corner of Princes Street and Lothian Road. It features over 100 makers, designers, and artists with the organisers pointing out that, “all our exhibitors are selected by a jury of experienced makers to ensure standards are high and that there's plenty of originality and diversity on display”. And, let me tell you, after walking around and exploring the Fair, we can confirm that the artists and designers are indeed offering high quality products.
What is particularly special about the West End Fair is that many of the artists are based in Scotland. Take, for example, the artist, Kelly Stewart. A native Australian, she is now based in Edinburgh. Her art (pictured below) incorporates her cityscape drawings into the print making process. Of course, her work features landscapes in Edinburgh, but also other cities such as Paris, Strasbourg, Zurich, and Sydney.
If you are looking for some unique products with an adorable Scottish flair, then be sure to stop by the ‘Handmade by Morag Bheag’ booth. Clearly, she has put care and high-quality craftsmanship into her work which include decorative pillows and handbags. You can find more information on her Facebook page.
Those are just two exhibitors, but there are many more that should be seen in-person. Unfortunately, the West End Fair ends today (29th of August). But, don't despair if you can’t make it in person this year, the event is held annually every August during the Festival season.
I have also included website links for the artists featured in this post. Therefore, please be sure to check them out for more information on their art and what products might be available for purchase. Now more than ever we should support artists and their businesses during these trying times. We hope you have enjoyed this wee post, and, when you are in Edinburgh, don’t forget to check our one of our walking tours; Sami (our human tour guide) and Sawyer (our Golden Retriever tour guide) would love to show you around our vibrant city!
Until next time- Explore & Discover!
