Abbeyhill artists open their doors

This weekend, the artists of Abbeyhill will transform Abbeyhill into a unique gallery.

The colonies, near the top of Easter Road, were built by railway workers in the late 19th Century, after a working hours dispute saw them locked out of their building site.

During the three month dispute in 1861, local tradesmen formed The Edinburgh Co-operative Building Company and by 1911 built over 2,000 houses on 11 sites in the city.

That sense of community was reignited in 2005, when the inaugural Colony Of Artists exhibition brought the artists of the area together for the first ever event of its kind in the city.

Highlights over the two days include a local history exhibition in the upstairs lounge of The Artisan, London Road, along with a screening of The Singing Street, a short film made in 1950 by teachers from Norton Park School, who filmed pupils playing street games.

Meanwhile, at Abbeyhill Primary, Maisie returns as author Aileen Paterson gives daily readings from her famous books.

The school will also host a treasure hunt, while those looking for live music will find it at the Holland House music venue.

And of course there are the exhibiting artists, showcasing work in their own homes, allowing visitors to experience it in a very personal setting.

Abbeyhill Colony of Artists 11th Annual Exhibition, Saturday and Sunday, Noon-6 pm, for further information visit www.colony-of-artists.com