A Capital View: The Art of Edinburgh exbibition

A new exhibition in Edinburgh offers prints, paintings and sketches which show how the city has changed over the centuries. A Capital View: The Art of Edinburgh is at the City Art Centre until 6 July 2014.

The exhibition follows Edinburgh’s changing landscape through the centuries. From the medieval city huddled around the confines of the Royal Mile, through the development of the New Town, to the industrial changes that led Edinburgh to become the bustling capital city it is today, the exhibition will feature a stunning series of prints, paintings, sketches, photographs and artefacts.

With works from many notable Scottish artists, the exhibition also features early landscapes from French artist William Delacour, English landscapist Paul Sandby and local aristocrat John Clerk of Eldin, as well as portraits of leading civic figures, pioneers and performers by James Howe, John Kay and Charles Doyle, and influential works by Edinburgh Enlightenment artists Sir Henry Raeburn and Alexander Nasmyth.

Councillor Richard Lewis, Culture Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: 'The unique landscape of Edinburgh and the city’s rich heritage is part of its appeal and is appreciated by residents and visitors the world over, and this exhibition offers a fascinating perspective on the city’s history. In the year of the Referendum and the Commonwealth Games, it is fitting that this exhibition will shine a spotlight on Scotland’s Capital.'

A Capital View complements a major new publication based on the City’s art collection, written by Alyssa Popiel and published by independent publisher Birlinn Ltd.

The book's author Alyssa Popiel said: 'Edinburgh is a stunningly beautiful city, full of heritage and history.  Over the centuries its world famous views have inspired generations of Scottish artists. The City Collection is one of the most significant collections of Scottish art and I hope this portrait of my hometown will inspire visitors to rediscover and appreciate our historic city and familiarise themselves with some of Edinburgh's great artists.'

City Art Centre, 2 Market Street, Edinburgh EH1 1DE; tel: 0131 529 3993; visit the website.

(Images courtesy of Edinburgh City Council)