The Abbey Strand Book Club
In the Abbey Strand Book Club, explore spaces and objects which have shaped history and inspired fiction.
About The Abbey Strand Book Club
From Jacobite stories to embroidered biographies, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and its many chapters of history have provided the inspiration for many literary works over the centuries. In the Abbey Strand Book Club, explore spaces and objects which have shaped history and inspired fiction. Please note, texts are not included in the ticket price, and should be purchased to read beforehand.
2 March - Waverley, Walter Scott
In our first Abbey Strand book club session, explore Walter Scott's novel Waverley, and discover the history and spaces in the Palace that provided inspiration for Scott.
1 June - The Fair Botanists, Sarah Sheridan
Explore the space and stories of the Physic Garden at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, before turning attention to a recent novel inspired by gardens of Enlightenment Edinburgh.
7 September - Macbeth, William Shakespeare
A portrait of Macbeth hangs in the Great Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. In this same room hangs a portrait of James VI and I. Explore the connection between the king and the bard, and delve into an interest which they had a common interest- witchcraft.
7 December - Embroidering Her Truth, Clare Hunter
Perhaps one of the most famous residents to make the Palace of Holyroodhouse her home was Mary, Queen Of Scots. Explore Mary's chambers and objects connected with the monarch, including an exquisite embroidery made during the last years of her life.
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Other Events at The Palace of Holyroodhouse
Guided Looking: An Artwork Audio Described
Join Fiona Johnston, audio describer, as she describes various artwork and objects from the Royal Collection at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
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Many authors have been inspired to pick up their pen to write about the Palace of Holyroodhouse. These sessions will explore these literary works followed by a hearty discussion!
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Royal Rhyme Time
Join us in the historic Abbey Strand Centre for our special Royal Rhyme Time sessions for toddlers.
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Witches or Healers
Hear the story of Agnes Sampson, a woman accused of witchcraft and discover the scents of some of the herbs Agnes would have been familiar with as she worked as a local healer.
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Drawing the Italian Renaissance
This exhibition at The Palace of Holyroodhouse, brings together a wide range of drawings from this revolutionary artistic period, including 45 drawings never exhibited in Scotland before.
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Beneath the Surface: King’s Gallery Short Talks
Join our team at the Palace of Holyroodhouse for weekly gallery talks as part of the exhibition Drawing the Italian Renaissance!
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The Edinburgh Sketcher at The King’s Gallery
Join Mark Kirkham, better known as the Edinburgh Sketcher, to explore Drawing the Italian Renaissance at The King’s Gallery, Edinburgh on 22nd November!
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Descriptive Tour: Drawing the Italian Renaissance
Join us for a special descriptive tour of the Drawing the Italian Renaissance exhibition at The King’s Gallery, Edinburgh, designed for visually impaired and blind visitors.
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Family Yoga: Mixed Age Group
Taking inspiration from Drawing the Italian Renaissance, join us at The Palace of Holyroodhouse for a fun family yoga session full of movement, music, songs and stories.
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Family Drawing Workshop
Take inspiration from drawings in our latest exhibition Drawing the Italian Renaissance and join us for a special family drawing workshop.
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Festive Wreath Making at Holyroodhouse
Join florist and Royal Warrant-holder Lottie Longman at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on 1st December to create your own festive wreath to take home!
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Drawing The Italian Renaissance: A Gallery Late
Step into the world of Renaissance artistry for a special evening event at our exhibition Drawing the Italian Renaissance.
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Drawing the Italian Renaissance: Curator’s Introduction
Join exhibition curator Lauren Porter at The King's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse as she discusses works from Drawing the Italian Renaissance!
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Carols at the Palace
Enjoy seeing the beautifully decorated State Apartments of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, as you make your way to the Great Gallery to hear a wonderful concert of Christmas music.
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Descriptive tour: A Royal Christmas
Join us for a special descriptive Christmas Tour at the Palace of Holyroodhouse designed for visually impaired visitors.
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BSL Interpreted Tour: Royal Christmas Traditions
In this BSL guided festive tour, explore Royal Christmas traditions in the beautiful surroundings of the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
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Christmas Activity Day
Join us at The Palace of Holyroodhouse on 13th December for a fun festive activity for the whole family to enjoy!
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Recitals for Wrigglers
This Christmas, join Recitals for Wrigglers in the Great Gallery of the Palace of Holyroodhouse for a festive concert specially created for babies and toddlers.
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Drawing the Italian Renaissance: BSL Tour
Join our British Sign Language tour of the Drawing the Italian Renaissance exhibition at The King's Gallery, Edinburgh.
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Conservator Talk: Conserving the Campi Cartoon
Victoria Button, Royal Collection Trust’s Head of Paper Conservation, discusses her work in preparing drawings for presentation in Drawing The Italian Renaissance, on display at The King's Gallery.
READ MOREFamily Yoga: Early Years
Taking inspiration from Drawing the Italian Renaissance join us for a fun family yoga session full of movement, music, songs and stories. Suitable for children 16 months to 4 years old.
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Storytelling: Inspired by drawings
Join storyteller Claire McNicol as she explores tales inspired by drawings of the Italian Renaissance in an exciting interactive storytelling session.
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Curatorial Talk: The Patrons of the Renaissance
Join Martin Clayton, Head of Prints and Drawings at Royal Collection Trust, for this lunchtime lecture as he discusses the vital role of patrons in the creation of Italian Renaissance art.
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