Exhibition
A new display about the planning of the New Town, features the original 1767 plans by James Craig, which have been recently conserved.
Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm at the Museum of Edinburgh
Who is this for? -
All, Adults, Families, Schools
Cost:
Free Admission
Two drawings by James Craig have been conserved, one known as the 'Adopted Plan' signed by the Lord Provost in 1767, and the 'Circus Plan' showing an alternative vision for the New Town.
The two plans were carefully cleaned, repaired and stabilised for the future at the Scottish Conservation Studio based at Hopetoun House.
The specialist textile conservator lifted a paper patch covering part of Charlotte Square revealing the outline of a circular garden, indicating perhaps that the Council changed its mind about the detail of the plan.
They are now back on display using specialist glass and lighting, while the New Town gallery has also been re-launched with fresh interpretation and a Reading Room added to the area.
The original plans are to be on display for two hours daily, from 12noon to 2pm, to protect them from the damaging effects of light. Outwith these hours, visitors can look at high quality copies on lowered black-out blinds.
The conservation of the plans and the new display have only been possible with funding support from Museums Galleries Scotland, the Gordon Fraser Trust, the Friends of the City Art Centre and Museums and Edinburgh World Heritage.
The conservation work has received coverage on ITV News ( at 11mins 30 secs) and the STV local website. And there's an interview with paper conservator Helen Creasy about the plans in the Edinburgh Evening News.