EWH

Added Value For Craft Project - This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This presentation reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein

1. Stone masonry – Scotsman Steps project, EWH

2. Metalwork – Ballantines of Bo’ness Foundry

3. Setts laying

4. Tapestry - Dovecot Studios

5. Silver smithing

6. Charles Rennie Macintosh - arts and crafts

Scotsman steps: the specific content of the initiative

Originally built in 1899 as part of the Scotsman newspaper offices, the steps had become dilapidated with graffiti on the walls, damage to the stairs and recurring anti-social behaviour. The conservation project started on the Scotsman Steps in September 2010, coinciding with Network rail’s work to improve the Market Street exit from Waverley Station.

The environmental issues

Using traditional materials, new lighting and lead work were completed, along with the installation of new handrails and iron gates. The interior windows were also reglazed and there were extensive masonry repairs, to bring the steps back to life. However, one of the main challenges was extensive stone decay caused by water ingress and lack of maintenance. Moreover, in places the stone decoration and architectural details have been completely eroded and had to be restored by skilled stone carvers off the site, at the Forth Stone masons’ yard. It was important to choose the right match of sandstone and thanks to the British Geological Survey investigation the Peakmoor quarry was chosen as the best source of the material. These are issues, which many restoration projects in Scotland face and it is not easy to find the right craftsmen who can deliver matching quality work.

The Fruitmarket Gallery commissioned the Turner-Prize winning Scottish artist Martin Creed, in a £250,000 special art project. The artwork, called Work 1059, has clad each of the 104 steps in a different colour of marble. The work was supported through the Scottish Government’s Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund, for the Edinburgh Art Festival 2010, as well as with individual and corporate donations.

The project has received a Civic Trust award for its quality and contribution to the community.

Contribution to the development of a sustainable economy: areas of greatest

relevance

Metalwork – Ballantines of Bo’ness Foundry: the specific content of the initiative

Many of restoration projects in Edinburgh require traditional metalworking due to the number of historic architectural details present in the streets of the city, such as: lamps, railing, gates and even boot scrapers. A big challenge is in finding specialists who have the right knowledge and skills as well as tools and materials.

Two iron foundries are still active in the Edinburgh area – Charles Laing & Sons Ltd, at Beaverbank Place, near Canonmills, and Ballantine Bo’ness Iron Co Ltd, at Bo’ness, on the Forth estuary. Both have a long history and produce work of the highest quality, Laings specialising in smaller items and Ballantine’s in larger, though there is a broad overlap.

The environmental issues

The traditional metal casting was required for the restoration of railing and the original lighting in Lynedoch Place. This project became exemplar in terms of quality of workmanship as well as partnership working. It opened a research into the evolution of historic street lighting in Edinburgh, which informed the development of the city wide street lighting strategy.

The Chris Topp Foundry specializing in production of wrought iron structures and elements. The foundry has delivered a high quality wrought iron gates for the High School Yards Steps regeneration project.

Setts laying: The specific content of the initiative

One of the defining components of a historic city in Europe is a setted street. Edinburgh is not an exemption as the vast part of streets in the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site are covered by setts. In the past the local authority employed two craftsmen to maintain setted streets, which was cheaper than regular maintenance of tarmac streets nowadays.

Properly dressed and layed granite stone can last centuries, which have been proved by the Ancient Romans. Although the modern streets are subject to heavier vehicular pressures many of historic streets are based in residential areas, closed to heavy traffic. Edinburgh streescape presents many interesting forms of setted layouts such as horonised stone paved surfaces, which gradually disappears due to lack of skills and resources to maintain them.

The environmental issues

Tapestry – Dovecoot Studios : The specific content of the initiative

The studios are based in the former Edinburgh’s oldest public baths, which were refurbished and turned into tapestry workshop and gallery spaces in 2008. The restoration project of the building itself is a good practice. However, the craftwork produced there is of the highest quality and it involves the traditional methods of weaving.

Currently, Dovecoot employs six weavers producing tapestries for private commissions and for public collections worldwide. Interestingly, the traditional methods of weaving have been applied in modern production of performance basketball shoes.

Silversmithing: the specific content of the initiative

Sliversmithing is an important part of the Scottish traditional crafts portfolio. One of the most distinctive products is Quaich, traditionally made from wood and used as drinking vessels. Later on quaichs became produced from metals with decorative carvings. Nowadays quaichs are highly decorative and used to share Scotch whisky, often produced as gifts and prizes.

The environmental issues

There is a strong reference to the nature in Scottish silversmithing, especially in artwork coming from the north of Scotland, either in forms or materials. These can be appreciated in works of artists such as Kirsty Eaglesfield, Hannah Louise Lamb or Jane North from Edinburgh. Also, there is a strong modern movement in the Scottish jewelry production represented, for instance, by Craftywolf studio specialising in a creative reuse of clock parts.

Charles Rennie Macintosh : the specific content of the initiative

Macintosh was one of the most creative and currently renowned Scottish artists born in 1868. His influence on architecture, design and art in the United Kingdom and Europe is undisputable, especially in Art Nouveau.

The environmental issues

One of the finest examples of his architectural work is the Glasgow School of Art, which currently educates the future of Scottish craft. His influence is also visible in design of furniture such as distinctive chairs, tables, beds and cabinets with stained glass. The latter deserves a particular mention as Macintosh’s stained glass design approach holds a timeless influence, which can be still visible in the United Kingdom, taken forward by companies such as Leadbitter Glass.

Edinburgh World Heritage 5 Bakehouse Close, 146 Canongate,

Edinburgh EH8 - UK T: 0131 220 7720 –

Email:info@ewht.org.uk