PATRICK GEDDES CENTRE Edinburgh s Old Town By Living We Learn An Introduction to our work A Unique Learning Centre for All www.patrickgeddescentre.org.uk Riddle s Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh 0131 220 1232
The Patrick Geddes Centre will be a world class centre for learning. A place steeped in history, culture and architectural wonder- the centre is inspired by Geddes philosophy of learning; by Hand, Heart and Head. Who was Patrick Geddes? Patrick Geddes was a Scot, born in 1854 in Ballater, Aberdeenshire. He died in Montpellier, Provence in 1932. at Riddle s Court as a catalyst for social improvement and personal betterment. Though Geddes lectured for many years at the Universities of Edinburgh and Dundee in Botany, he was far better known as a sociologist in India, a town planner in Jerusalem, and for his work at the Outlook Tower (Camera Obscura today) and Geddes made connections; between people and buildings, places, and the planet, between culture and place, between arts and science, promoting interdisciplinary approaches His influence was inspiring and will endure.
What s on at the Patrick Geddes Centre TOURS exploring the life and times of Patrick Geddes Life and Times of Riddle s Court Mondays 10am - 1pm 7 / 5 Concessions As you walk round, the guides will bring to life the history of the building and the many colourful characters who have occupied it and left their mark. You will learn a little about Patrick Geddes, whose life and work are the focus of a major learning centre at Riddle s Court. Geddes Land Walking Tour Wednesdays 10am - 12pm 7 / 5 Concessions The tour takes in a range of buildings and places where Patrick Geddes influence can be seen including the Outlook Tower, Ramsay Gardens, Lady Stairs Close and James Court. These walks are led by experienced Edinburgh Festival Voluntary Guides with whom the Centre partners. The Geddes Experience Fridays 10am - 1pm 12 / 9 Concessions The definitive Geddes experience! Starting with a tour of Riddle s Court, with a distinctively PG flavour. This tour is led by a well known Geddesian expert, moves on to explore how Patrick Geddes influenced the buildings and improved parts of the Old Town, the Ramsay Garden, the Outlook Tower, to small urban gardens. It will include a 30 minute break at our own café, itself rich in Geddesian material. Private Geddes and Riddle s Court Tours By Prior Appointment. Evening Bookings Taken. Looking to bring a party to the Old Town and explore the rich history, art and culture contained in Riddle s Court? Based on your interests, size of party and available time, we will work with you to provide a tailored tour which your party will enjoy and talk about long after. This can also include a private dinner, a historical themed banquet, or some Scottish entertainment from a ceilidh to some stirring tunes on the bagpipes.
LECTURES study days and schools programmes Study Days and Events From organised visits and talks, to evening lectures and all-day workshops, the centre offers a range of stimulating study days throughout the year. Public Lecture Programme The Centre runs a series of talks led by recognised experts on interdisciplinary themes. The autumn series will be announced in late August. Partnership Programme The Centre is proud to be working with a number of partners including Edinburgh University, Newbattle Abbey College and the City of Edinburgh Council to support the delivery of an exciting range of educational programmes. Full details are available on the website. Schools Programme Our Education Officer, in collaboration with local teachers, has devised a range of hands on learning experiences here at Riddle s Court. Each 90 minute session includes a tour of Riddle s Court, Edinburgh s original 16th century courtyard tenement, followed by a choice of one of the following activities. Meet the Neighbours: hear from the residents of Riddle s Court during the height of the Victorian slum era. The Grand Tenement: Construct scaled down tenement house models for your Old Town project. Arts and Craft Makers: use lino cuts and ink to create designs inspired by Riddle s Court s historic, decorative schemes. Learners will explore the fascinating history of Riddle s Court; teachers can expand further or create a display of learning with items made at the sessions.
The Centre aims to promote the life and work of Patrick Geddes through events, talks, publications and discussions. Education Officer Our Education Officer works with schools, higher education partners, and community groups to help foster a greater awareness and understanding of Patrick Geddes work and the history of Riddle s Court. The Centre also supports such organisations in their wider educational activities. russell@patrickgeddescentre.org.uk Venue Hire Whether you are looking to host a conference, important meeting, wedding, private dinner or party Riddle s Court offers a unique venue for special events. events@riddlescourt.org.uk Digital Library Our digital library is a resource offering open access to material prepared by staff at the Centre covering a wide range of topics relating to the life and work of Patrick Geddes. We are also grateful to a number of external contributors who have supplied documents and material for you to enjoy. www.patrickgeddescentre.org.uk Scotts Kitchen Located on the lower level of Riddle s Court, Scotts Kitchen is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks seven days a week. From coffee and cake to something more substantial, their chefs work with fresh, seasonal ingredients to create mouth-watering dishes. www.scottskitchen.co.uk
Contact Contact us to us discuss to discuss and book your your needs event education@partickgeddescentre.org.uk 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PG 0131 220 1232 Find us Riddle s Court is located in the heart of Edinburgh s Old Town only 5 minutes walk from Edinburgh Waverley Station and a short journey from Edinburgh International Airport. Market Street Edinburgh Waverley Station Scottish Historic Buildings Trust is a charity that secures the future of underused historic buildings by expertly restoring them for the nation and finding new uses that can regenerate local communities and the historic environment. The Mound Castle Lawnmarket Riddle s Court George IV Bridge High Street St Giles Cathedral REGISTERED OFFICE: Caledonian Exchange, 19a Canning Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8HE Registered in Scotland: SC251081 Charity Number: SC034507