On November 20th 2014 Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop (ESW) unveiled the new Creative Laboratories building - an architecturally stunning facility specifically designed for sculptors.
Situated on old railway sidings in Newhaven, North Edinburgh, Creative Laboratories will create a cultural hub dedicated to the research and production of contemporary visual art that will enable sculptors to make ambitiously-scaled pieces. Public viewing facilities, including a café situated to overlook the production of sculpture, are designed to encourage interaction between artists and their public.
The design by Sutherland Hussey Architects features a 22.5m high triangular tower and the development of the site has resulted in a significant area of land being re-gifted to the public by ESW as an extension of the adjacent cycle pathway where wildflower meadows have been planted. The triangular tower will house a newly-commissioned sound installation by Tommy Perman, Professor Simon Kirby and Rob St. John which will launch in the New Year. The installation subtly responds to the movements of visitors, creating a unique experience for every listener. Other participating artists are Johanna Billing, Miranda Blennerhassett, Jessica Harrison and Kate Ive.
A single storey pavilion surrounds an outdoor courtyard linking a series of internal and external environments for events and the production and exhibition of work. Incorporating sculpture bays, project spaces, and a bronze foundry, the new facilities will complement those already in use at Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop’s Bill Scott Sculpture Centre, also designed by Sutherland Hussey that opened in July 2012. ESW has commissioned a multi-disciplinary collaboration between designer Catherine Aitken and sculptor David Murphy to design furniture for use throughout the new buildings.
Irene Kernan, director of Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop (ESW) said: “This is an amazing opportunity for Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop which will enable us to fulfil our ambitions to create a world class sculpture centre in the city... [it] will be a major resource for our local community in Newhaven as well as the city as a whole.”
The building has been fully funded by the Arts Funding Prize for Edinburgh administered by Foundation Scotland by means of a £3million anonymous donation.
Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop, 21 Hawthornvale, Edinburgh EH6 4JT