Ruskin Lane Consulting Spring 2014

NEWSROUND NEWSROUND LEGO helps secure future of historic Riddle’s Court Edinburgh S cottish Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT) own and manage the A listed Riddle's Court in Edinburgh. It is a rare 16th century courtyard house, tucked behind the Royal Mile, and with a rich history to match. The building has had many incarnations, including as a merchant’s house, slum tenement, library, university hall and theatre venue. In its earlier, grander, days King James VI held a banquet here. As many of you will know, it has also become a home for the AHSS, and regularly hosts events for members. The latest vision for the site is an exciting one; to create The Patrick Geddes Centre for Learning and Conservation. SHBT are now in the final fundraising stages of this ambitious plan. We have worked closely with the design team led by LDN Architects to make sure the proposals for the building improve accessibility and legibility of the building, and provide improved facilities. Riddle's Court has great importance, beauty and complexity. LDN’s response has been to sensitively conserve all rooms and elements of high cultural significance, and to design the new interventions needed, most obviously the new lift lobby. This will add a clear 21st century layer to the building, and greatly enhance the experience of visitors to the building. In addition to the building proposals, a team of consultants have prepared activity, interpretation, audience development, business and branding plans, that will guide the work and ensure the sustainability of the new Centre. We’ve have been managing Riddle’s Court day-to-day for the last two years, gaining valuable experience of the practicalities of running the building. We have widened the group of users of the building through promoting new uses, such as hosting student groups and theatre productions, reviving the building as a Festival Fringe venue. It has also been used as a backdrop, or 'set' for film and photography. All this will stand us in good stead when the building opens as the Patrick Geddes Centre. South east corner of the courtyard of Riddle’s Court © Dave Morris 8I THE ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND I SPRING 2014 Broken doll photo shoot © Lee Howell Photography We are getting ready to move into the delivery phase of the project, and anticipate that the main contractor will begin their work in autumn. However, before we can appoint the contractor, we still have some more funding to raise. Over the next few months, we are planning a number of events and initiatives to secure this support. Please consider contributing to the public appeal through our website at www.shbt.org.uk or by using the following link to go directly to our donate page tinyurl.com/o8osjfm. Riddle’s Court is also hosting a rather unusual exhibition. As part of this year’s Science Festival, SHBT are proud to present ‘Brick Wonders’, artist Warren Elsmore’s latest creation, featuring LEGO models of the ancient, historic, modern and natural Wonders of the World. Though made entirely from LEGO, these fabulous models are closely modelled on the real thing! All profits will go towards the Patrick Geddes Centre project. The interactive exhibition runs from the 5th-20th April. Tickets are £2£4 per person and family tickets available. In addition to the exhibition, Warren will explore, through fun and informative talks, what makes these simple plastic constructions so popular, how strong LEGO bricks are and how the plastic choice affects stability and colour. The talks will take place over four evenings during the festival. Warren will also be available for signings of his new book 'Brick Wonders'. Ticket prices for these talks range from £5 to £10 per person and should be booked in advance due to limited availability and wide appeal. Interior perspective showing the lift lobby © LDN Architects Old London Bridge © Warren Elsmore Audrey Dakin, Project Officer Scottish Historic Buildings Trust For further information about these events please visit www.shbt.org.uk or call us on 0131 220 1232. To see more of Warren Elsmore’s work visit www.warrenelsmore.com The Lighthouse of Alexandria, detail © Warren Elsmore SPRING 2014 I THE ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND I 9

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