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
Royal Rhyme Time
Join us in the historic Abbey Strand Centre for our special Royal Rhyme Time sessions for toddlers.
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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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Family Studio Saturdays
Studio Saturdays, at the The Palace of Holyroodhouse, are monthly hands-on artistic workshops for families who are interested in learning new ways to express their creativity.
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Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography
This exhibition at The Palace of Holyroodhouse, charts the evolution of royal portrait photography from the 1920s to the present day!
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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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Snapshots: Gallery Short Talks
Join us on Thursdays at The Palace of Holyroodhouse for a short talk on one of the fascinating photographs in our exhibition Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography!
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Guided Touch Tour: Palace of Holyroodhouse
Join Audio Describer Fiona Johnston for a special opportunity for visually impaired and blind visitors to engage with selected features, and handle replica object in the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
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Student Sessions: Curation and Conservation
Join us at The Palace of Holyroodhouse on 27th March for an exciting opportunity for students in arts, heritage and culture!
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Conservation Concerns for Photographic Exhibitions
Join Ashleigh Brown, Paper and Photographic Conservator, as she delves behind the scenes and shares insights into her role as a conservator preparing for a photographic exhibition.
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Curator’s Introduction to Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography
Join Senior Curator of Photographs and exhibition curator Alessandro Nasini as he discusses his personal highlights from our current exhibition, Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography!
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Drama, Dynamism and Detail: Italian Baroque Paintings in the Royal Collection
Join Assistant Curator of Paintings Dr Amy Parrish on 24th April to delve into some of the extraordinary works of Italian Baroque painting contained within the Royal Collection.
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Royal Portraits in the Press
Spanning portraits of Queen Victoria to King Charles III, this lecture taking place at the Abbey Strand Centre, discusses how iconic images are published and remembered.
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Fireside Stories: Herbal Histories
Join artist and storyteller Amanda Edmiston for an evening of botanical storytelling inspired by the Physic Garden at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on 9th May!
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Relaxed Morning: Palace of Holyroodhouse
The Palace of Holyroodhouse offers this relaxed opening on Saturday 19th July. It's a chance to explore the palace in a calm, tranquil atmosphere.
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Physic Garden: Flower Arranging
Join florist and Royal Warrant holder Lottie Longman on 24th July to explore the flowers of the Physic Garden at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, then create your own bouquet to take home.
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Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography - BSL Tour
Enjoy a BSL tour of Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography at The King's Gallery, The Palace of Holyroodhouse on Tuesday 12th August!
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Relaxed Evening: Palace of Holyroodhouse
This relaxed opening on Friday 22nd August, offers a chance to explore the Palace of Holyroodhouse in a calm, tranquil atmosphere!
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Physic Garden: Floral Wreaths
Join florist and Royal Warrant holder Lottie Longman to explore the flowers of the Physic Garden at the Palace of Holyroodhouse and create your own fresh wreath!
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