Photo-real Festival
A new celebration of the art of photography comes home to Dalkeith
THIS September, DalkeithPhoto is holding its inaugural month of photography at Dalkeith Palace. The programme includes a diverse range of photography exhibitions, a major symposium, hands-on workshops, portfolio reviews, and guided exhibition tours, offering a comprehensive and engaging experience for photography enthusiasts, art lovers and the local community.
DalkeithPhoto was the idea of Zelda Cheatle, photographer, curator and author and the photographer Walter Dalkeith, the Earl of Dalkeith.
"Dalkeith Photo is a celebration of the rich history, creativity and beauty of the photographic medium. Drawing together renowned international photographic artists to the Palace for this exhibition is a real joy and extraordinary to see", says Walter.
The event kicks off with a symposium featuring a cast of expert speakers who will celebrate and explore the art of photography through presentations and conversations. Visitors will have the chance to enjoy four exhibitions, workshops, tours, and portfolio reviews, all running as part of this season of photography within Dalkeith Palace. DalkeithPhoto will also feature a full programme of exhibitions.
Running concurrently every Friday to Sunday until October 6, visitors will have the opportunity to view four distinctive exhibitions within the historic Dalkeith Palace. A highlight of the event will be The Buccleuch Family Album Collection, marking the first-time images from these albums have been shared and exhibited. Each work has been selected, photographed and interpreted from a contemporary viewpoint, by the current Earl of Dalkeith,?who continues in a long line of family members fascinated by the power and beauty of the photographic medium.
Other featured exhibitions include Squaring the Circles, Calum Colvin and Studies in Photography. "We are incredibly excited to host the first ever DalkeithPhoto at The Palace, a new, annual photography-led exhibition" said Charlotte Rostek, Development Lead at Dalkeith Palace. "This event celebrates the art of photography and offers a platform in Scotland for photography enthusiasts of all levels to learn, share, and be inspired.
"One of the most important things when starting a new initiative such as DalkeithPhoto is of course to raise awareness, build a profile and get some traction in the press and amongst the wider public. I believe that there is huge potential for DalkeithPhoto to become an annually sought-after event, a fixture in Scotland's calendar of art events. For this first event we have not received any external funding, but going forward we very much hope that the innovative concept will attract an event partner and sponsor.
"It is our intention to hold this event every year. There is such a lively photography scene in Scotland with many important organisations we could potentially partner with and for which DalkeithPhoto could become an interesting and important platform."
Situated just five miles from Edinburgh city centre, Dalkeith Country Park, the 1,000-acre estate which has been home to Dalkeith Palace since its construction in 1702, has been in the Buccleuch family for more than 300 years.
It is home to Fort Douglas Adventure Playpark, a thousand square metre playground of exceptional quality, and restoration yard, an award-winning store, restaurant and wellbeing studio.
The Park itself features waymarked cycling and walking routes and a regular programme of activities ensures there is plenty on offer for the entire family.
Tickets for DalkeithPhoto are now available to book from Dalkeith Country Park's website.
FRANCES ANDERSON
