John Kay and Deacon Brodie
Join us to explore the life of John Kay (1742 – 1826), a self-taught artist and engraver who sketched the famous Deacon William Brodie.
About John Kay and Deacon Brodie
| 9th July 2026 | |
| 10.30am | |
|
Lauriston Castle 2 Cramond Road South, Edinburgh West EH4 6AD |
|
| See below for details | |
| Visit the event website here |
All our unique lecture mornings include a friendly lecture where you can meet our guest lecturer, have coffee and a sweet treat.
(£10 for lecture morning and cakes and coffee £16 for lecture morning and cakes and coffee plus a tour of the Castle).
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Join us to explore the life of John Kay (1742 – 1826), a self-taught artist and engraver who, in a career lasting nearly 40 years, sketched and engraved his contemporaries in his workshop in Edinburgh’s Parliament Square. Amongst these contemporaries was the famous Deacon William Brodie.
Kay has left us the only portraits that we have of Brodie. Kay drew Brodie’s trial and his execution in 1788. Kay also drew Brodie in the condemned cell of the Tolbooth. Using Kay’s unique images of Brodie and his contemporaries, this illustrated talk will tell one of Edinburgh’s most fascinating stories.
Eric Melvin is an established and respected local historian who has explored, researched and documented his home city of Edinburgh.
After a long and varied career in education working latterly as Headteacher of Currie Community High School, he now enjoys retirement in Scotland’s capital by sharing his love and knowledge of ‘Auld Reekie’ with the wider public.
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