Goulish delights in The Red Door Gallery Windows

We have had a brilliant reaction to our October Window and thought you all would like a peep at the fun!  New works include T-Shirts, Badges and mugs from Humili-T... defined as The Quality of Being Modest.  Free from vanity, egotism, boastfulness and great pretension, Humili-T displays a humble estimate of ones merits and importance.  Beneath their instantly accessible collection of slogan based works, lies the depth of thought and consideration behind the collection.  Have a click here and wonder through their catalog of wordy works.
Also newly arrived in is the purrrrfect Cat Tape from Charlotte Farmer (click here), the ARrrrgggghhhh!  Halloween colouring in book which will have you chorteling as you bring a splash of life to stills from your favourite Horror films.  Click here to see some sample pages and buy the book for just £7.50.
October presents a great excuse to show of Red Door Gallery favourite, Seymour's goulish characters.  Each character has a unique name, personality and story associated with it.  Please click here to see Seymour's online selection or email nicky@edinburghart.com to hear about original drwaings and his wider collection.


Prints from Spookernox are featured in both our windows.  The artist behind the creations is the Tate comissioned, Charlie Sutcliffe.  At just £80 for an A1, 3 colour screenprintand we think they are perhaps our proudest investment of the month.  Click here to see more.   We are also super keen on the hotly anticipated vinyl stickers which have arrived in from Stripey Pipey.  Wolf Boy and Fox Girl are all dressed up and guarding the treats inside The Red Door Gallery!
If your looking for a Halloween Costume, have a peep at the great Egg Nogg (click here) or just browse our Halloween Section in our online shop for decoration, craft goodies and treats galore!

Goulish delights in The Red Door Gallery Windows

Channel your inner muppet!

 We always like to keep you up to date with new goodies here at The Red Door, so here's a sneak peek of some of our new products from Clockwork Soldier! For those of you who like to entertain the little ones or even just yourself, by channelling your inner Muppet, these self assemble cardboard hand puppets are super duper! The pack is simple to construct (no glue needed!), includes puzzles and leaves you with a toy that will provide you with endless hours of giggles! Perfect for a rainy day!!

Windows of Seasonal Change

As the season starts to roll over into Autumn, our thoughts turn to three things:

1.  Keeping Cosy!  Winter warming tube scarves, head bands and wrist mitts, as modelled by Beardy Man Malcolm should do the job!

2.  Hanging Out To Dry for the last time! The Sophisticated Cats, Dogs & Stags in our window have the right idea.

3.  December! The Red Door Gallery is delighted to be making use of 42 Victoria Street’s empty shop front to showcase Stuart Gardiner’s collection of cocktail, tea, coffee and food themed tea towels… at £11.50 these are proving popular with early (whisper it) Christmas shoppers.

Windows of Seasonal Change

Dedicated follower of...Fred Butler!

For those of you who love a bit of fashion as art and blurring the lines between disciplines, boy do we have a lady for you! Fred Butler is a whiz at creating colourful, poptastic sculptural accessories and styling props in collaboration with many established companies like MTV, Dazed and Confused and Swatch. Her quirky accessories have also unsurprisingly been seen on a few of the worlds beloved eccentric ladies of pop, Bjork (of course!), Lady Gaga ('telephone' headpiece anyone?) and Nicki Minaj (worn with a zebra print catsuit obviously!) Going to her website is like a trip inside her magical mind http://fredbutlerstyle.com/

Tonight is the last night of @edintfest... we know what that means #VMfireworks

All of Edinburgh’s eyes will be turned skywards in just a few short hours, for the anual closing celebration of yet another sucessful and inspiraational Festival!

If your lucky enough to have a sought after ticket for the gardens, the gates are just opened so be sure to make the most of it and get in there early!  Great views and live music in store tonight.

If your not headed into the gardens, why not act like a local Edinburg-er and find your favourite nook in the old town to camp out and enjoy the show?  If your feeling lively, grab a thermos of hot tea or coffee and climb a hill… there are lots to choose from and all should have great views over the castle.

If you live in Edinburgh all year round, you will know it takes double time to get across town… so best get your skates on!

Tonight is the last night of @edintfest... we know what that means #VMfireworks

Autum/Winter 2013/14 Geo, Neon, Lines screenprinted on canvas bags... be there first!

Kate Sheridan’s new Autumn Winter collection has arrived with a bang!  Just loving the geometric print designs available as a bright blue line on navy background or shades of grey, navy and royal blue.  A heavy weight canvas cotton is screenprinted in the maker’s design, then sewn into perfect purses, shoulder bags, wallets, make up bags and yes, i-pad cases.  The jazzy mustard lining gives this collection a sumptuous touch – like your carrying summer-sun with  you through the coming cold months.    Another winner from our favorite bag lady!

Autum/Winter 2013/14 Geo, Neon, Lines screenprinted on canvas bags... be there first!

Mary, Queen of Scots by Patrizio Belcampo

The above portrait of Mary Queen of Scots continues the tradition of portraiture which was practiced during Mary’s own life and times (1542-1567).  Only an few artists were invited to paint her face to face, but many  portraits and cameos existed of her.  The from-life paintings were reproduced by other artists who often referenced more than one original painting.  The results had varying degrees of accuracy which is why we find it difficult to know exactly what Mary looked like.  The symbolism created by the artist in the from-life paintings were propaganda, intended to reveal aspects of her personality and belief.  Cameos and portraits were worn or displayed in support of Mary, the un-recognised Queen of Scotland and England and Queen Dowager of France.

To produce his above portrait of Mary, Queen of Scots, Patrizio Belcampo has drawn reference from a variety of paintings of Mary, some of which were taken from life, some were taken from other painters interpretations.  This places his screenprint as a contemporary artwork, which references and respects the traditions of Mary’s generation of artists.  The paintings he referred to are:
Nicholas Hilliard’s “Mary in Captivity” c.1578,



Rowland Lockey’s portrait of 1578



and The Blairs Memorial Portrait (painted after her death) from the early 17th:



The memorial portrait can currently be seen in the National Museum of Scotland exhibition and as it is usually exhibited in the owners private collection, this is a rare opportunity to see the striking painting in the flesh.  Patrizio’s print draws influence from this painting (in particular the head dress and Mary’s black attire) which will always link his limited edition print, back to this remarkable painting.

Patrizio has pulled various elements from the above compositions and stylized them to his own design.   The collar, crusafix, hair piece and facial features are easily identified, as is the use of text and flat background colour.  The reduction of a 3 dimensional figure to flat colours is part of Patrizio’s design process, which embarrasses the restrictions of screenprinting and emphasizes the artist’s skill for distilling a complex image to it’s necessary parts, revealing a minimal, yet striking likeness.

This process of reducing a 3D object to a minimal, flat composition is a process Mary, Queen of Scots would have used to create her largescale tapestries which she worked on during her time in captivity, 1569 – 1587.  (An example of this can be seen in the NMS exhibition).  One octagon shaped panel, depicts some embroidered, stylized foliage, Mary’s motto for this section is “do not place to much trust in appearances”.  Given her turbulent life, this motto has extra significance, but when applied to Mary’s embroidery and The Blair’s Memorial Portrait, it emphasizes the underlying symbolism and importance of hidden meaning within her everyday life.  By adopting 16th century iconography into his Mary, Queen of Scots, Patrizio Belcampo references a time period whose language is almost extinct



The M and R symbols are derived from Mary’s signature monogram used in her tapestries, and reminds us of her French upbringing, it would have been instantly recognizable as her monogram, in the 16th century.  The necklace is a filigree, catholic prayer necklace or “rosary” (the rose it’s self has another meaning in paintings of this time, any ideas?) and the hand gesture, Patrizio Belcampo regards it as a compositional decision, intended to display the most recognizable form of a feminine hand when reduced to a flat colour.  What it would have ment to Mary’s audience is another matter, as is what you derriere from it.

If you would like to discuss any of these symbols with the Artist, or The Red Door Gallery team, please come along to The National Museum of Scotland for their After Hours Event.  Tonight at 7pm or Saturday August 24th.

If you would like to discuss any of these symbols with the Artist, or The Red Door Gallery team, please come along to The National Museum of Scotland for their After Hours Event.  Tonight at 7pm or Saturday August 24th.



Mary, Queen of Scots by Patrizio Belcampo

Unveiling of Mary, Queen of Scots by Patrizio Belcampo @NtlMuseumsScot #edfringe #nmsafterhours

We can’t say too much at this point, but check back in at 7.30pm to see “Mary, Queen of Scots”, Patrizio Belcampo’s latest addition to his stylized and skillfully produced portrait folio of British Queens.  Victoria, Elizabeth I and Elizabeth II are already available as hand-pulled screenprints.  Patrizio has also previously printed Mary as a young queen, and tonight’s unveiling is Mary, Queen of Scots at a later point in her life.  The print has been heavily influenced by the Museum of Scotland’s current exhibition surrounding the life of Mary.

There could be no better launch for this print than the National Museum of Scotland, in the midst of their first NMS After Hours event.  The Red Door Gallery will be based on Level 2 of the museum and as you leave the Mary Queen of Scots exhibition, you look to your left there will be a large scale projection of this new print.  The perfect opportunity to come to meet our team and discuss the the links between this contemporary screenprint, it’s historical influences and the motifs and symbolism used by the artist.

If your passing the Museum on Chamber Street tonight, you can buy a ticket at the door which includes your entry to the MQoS exhibition along side various performing artists from across the globe,  including Russian mimes Confused in Syracuse, the spectacular Japanese circus troupe Company Man, acclaimed Korean physical theatre group A Romance and Oxford’s fabulous female a cappella singers In The Pink. There will also be renaissance entertainment featuring Shakespeare for Breakfast,  we hope to see you there!

Unveiling of Mary, Queen of Scots by Patrizio Belcampo @NtlMuseumsScot #edfringe #nmsafterhours

5,4,3,2,1... LIFT OF! The Tatty Devine autumn/winter collection lands in at The Red Door Gallery!

This is your chance to join in the 60′s space race…

View the complete collection here, from Avant Garde Robot’s to Constalation Great Bears, the Universe is yours!

Everybody look at the moon? Now you can meet him... or her… or them.

Explore the depth and beauty of the solar system with the new collection from Tatty Devine. Science meets romance as anicent constellations are embellished with iridescent crystals whilst opalescent moons, stars and planets make up miniature universes. The collection is born in 1967, with psychedelic graphics developed into bold shapes, pearlescent clouds and vibrant rainbows. Garage science and the accomplishments of great British eccentrics are honoured, with hand-crafted robots depicted in lasercut perspex. Amplified gemstones are larger than life and oversized costume jewels are recreated in digital print.

Tatty Devine are a London based jewelery company who elegantly walk the line where fashion meets art and design.  All their pieces are hand finished in UK.  Hop on over to our online shop and be the first to wear Autumn Winter 2013.

5,4,3,2,1... LIFT OF! The Tatty Devine autumn/winter collection lands in at The Red Door Gallery!

Exclusive new prints in by David Fleck - introducing Old Town Bikes and Juniper.

 

Two delightful new 3 colour screen prints in from David Fleck this week, hand-pulled in Scotland and signed by the artist these prints are only available through The Red Door Gallery!  They are an absolute steal at £60 as they are A2 in size and are printed on 100% cotton Fabriano Rosaspina paper.  For more information about David and his influences, click here.

Exclusive new prints in by David Fleck - introducing Old Town Bikes and Juniper.

Photos of RedDoor_Gallery Badge Making @thelistmagazine Festival Opening Party @summeryhall!

Oh what a night!  Way back, two nights ago (that’s a long time in Edinburgh Festival time) the good folk at The List Magazine invited us to host a badge making event at their Festival Opening Party.  It was a great line up of events and sneak previews of The List’s pick of the fringe.  Edinburgh’s Summerhall Courtyard was transformed into a pick-nick night garden with a magical circus feel.  Here a shed with a Barbour in it, there a chap playing a full sized up right piano being peddled about by a sprightly young gent and everywhere else you looked, tables of palls coloring in The Red Door Gallery’s badge designs.

We even had our own, delightful room where we set up a pop up shop, gallery and table devoted to creating badges.  With badge illustrations provided by David Fleck, Hannah Botma, Kate McLelland, Susie Wright, Kirsty Baynham and Rebecca Kaye there was a delightful range of styles to choose from, and a constant turnover of enthusiastic badge makers!

If you took part in the event, we will be emailing through your 10% discount valid in The Red Door Gallery soon, so we look forward to seeing you and your badges again!  We will also be adding our photos to our facebook page, so head on over and tag your good selves!

As ever, we’d love to see some of your photos, so send some our way please!

If you would like The Red Door Gallery to put on a creative, interactive event please email nicky@edinburghart.com.

Photos of RedDoor_Gallery Badge Making @thelistmagazine Festival Opening Party @summeryhall!

@thelistmagazine

 

We are all looking forward to our night tonight – The List Magazine invited us to host a workshop and pop up gallery for their Festival Opening Party!  We are offering a majical 10 % discount for tonight, and for our participants in the gallery for a WHOLE 2 weeks afterwards!

This event is a brilliant showcase for the best Festival and Fringe events, so if you are lucky enough to be a coveted ticket holder, make sure to follow our signs (as above) and join in our badge making fiesta!  Designs have been provided by David Fleck, Hannah Botma, Kate McLelland, Susie Wright, Kirsty Baynham and Rebecca Kaye – so there is sure to be something for everyone!

We are located next to the bar on the ground floor of Summerhall.

@thelistmagazine

Reasons to come to Edinburgh in August 2. The Frindge Festival

So those cats at the Frindge Festival have made some rather entertainig lil videos introudicng the event.
The also have a rather massive catalogue to wade through, detailing the thousands of the fringe events to see.  One of the great advantages of working here in Victoria Street, is that every customer who comes in, gives us a personal review of the shows they have seen, so don't be shy of asking us for tips, and pretty please tell us yours!

Grassmarket jazz festival

 

This weekend the Grassmarket is buzzing with the Edinburgh Jazz festival which has set up camp in this beautiful and historic part of Edinburgh. Bustling with music the Grassmarket is also home to artists, designers, entertainers, independent retailers, and good old fashioned pubs! There's a fantastic line up at this year's festival and the Grassmarket is the perfect place for a lazy Sunday in the sun or a good ol' boogie. We're open till 5.30 today stocking independent artists and designers contemporary prints, homewares, stationery and jewellery. Here's Susie Wright's intricate, limited edition screen print of the Grassmarket available in store and online:

Tommy Perman T-shirt designs for Oddities

 

Great design, wearable art and a guessing game all in one T-shirt.  It really would be rude not to snap up one of the newest additions to the (also Edinburgh based) "Oddities" Guest Artist Range by Tommy Perman.  They are just £30 a pop and there are further designs to choose from.  To see the collection click here.  

Tommy has created the featured, intricate pattern, from the component parts of his drawings.  The game here is to see if you can guess the urban item from it's exploded view.  The answer is shown on the reverse, giving the wearer ample opportunity to walk backwards, as the back of this shirt is every bit as interesting as the front.

Edinburgh based Tommy Perman's exhibition "Leith in Black and Red" is not long finished here in The Red Door Gallery, indeed we are still exhibiting the unframed prints in our browsers, so pop on by or clickty-click here to view his prints and skateboard designs.

Reasons to come to Edinburgh 1. The Edinburgh International Festival

Edinburgh is set to be hot and sunny for the next few weeks and we can feel the city gearing up for the influx of culture-seekers who transform this city center every year.

Here's a great look book style film highlighting some of the delights in store for this years Edinburgh International Festival. You might still be able to get tickets if something catches your eye!  The EIF runs from August 9th - September 1st.

Dedicated follower of Ding Ding!

We love a hand screen printed goody here at the Gallery so we are super delighted to have Ding Ding join the shop floor! Nottingham based Jenna Round screen prints onto plywood and vinyl, then transforms these prints into brilliant jewellery and stationary. There super affordable as well worth prices ranging from £3 to £18. Bang on trend for Spring Summer Graphic trends too!

A Famous Night

The Red Door Gallery is thrilled to have Chris McAuley guest curate an exhibition of his A Famous Night poster project.

Inspired by the North American tradition of collectable, hand-printed, concert posters A Famous Night is a project involving artists, illustrators and designers commissioned produce an original artwork commemorating a fictitious gig of their choosing.

By allowing the artists free reign over the line up, venue and design concept, the resulting posters will offer a unique insight into the possibilities of this form without the usual constraints often imposed by concert promoters, venues and the bands themselves.

Each of the participating artists are internationally renowned in their own field, be it comic art, graphic design, illustration or fine art, which will make for a diverse collection that will appeal to a broad audience of art and music lovers alike.

Our exhibition includes new risograph prints (a selection shown above) by Sophie Alda,Rose Blake, Morgan Blair, Marc Giglio, Kirstyna Baczynski, Gabriella Marcella and Alec Doherty.  Along side a selection of the original, gicclee print run.  All A3, All £15, All available to view and buy online here.


A Famous Night

New Orleans print collection!

Inspired by a sign in the "Spotted Cat" on Frenchman, there will be no drinks or drunks on the piano!
Woah There Pickle is one of The Red Door Gallery's newist recruits, and we just love these joy filled prints.  Created after a visit to New Orleans, this print is  part of a series the artist made celebrating her love of the city. The artist has wittily incorporated some of the idiocyncratic sayings, phrases and motifs that capture the unique spirit and characteristics of this inspirational city.  View the whole collection online here.

Woah There Pickle AKA Vicky Day lives and works in Brighton by the seaside. Having studied Graphic Design at university, Vicky’s passion for print and printmaking lead her to create these beautifully produced works, crafted from a hand-cut, then inked and printed piece of print-maker’s lino.

Summer's Here with @OhComely

It's starting to feel like Summer has arrived here in Edinburgh! There may be the odd grey sky and rain shower here and there, but hey that's how our summers work, Right? We are surely all use to it by now.
It does also mean that we've had delivery of Issue 16, the summer issue of @OhComely Magazine.
It's always an exciting day when the new issue arrives in the gallery.
With a new look dreamy cover we were keen to get our mitts on a copy and have a gander inside
It doesn't disapoint with the beautiful photography and illustrations that we associate with our favourite read.
Some of our favourite highlights are the dream like fashion photography on Wear this silver key lightly, An encounter with gallery favourite Camera Obscura and My Notebook My Colours, a fun mini book binding tutorial.
There are many more exciting stories, beautiful photography and illustrations to see but we don't want to give it all away, grab yourself a copy and head for the nearest park/ beach/outside space to enjoy it in the sun!!
Available on our website and in the gallery.
Happy Reading.................................