6 September, 4.30pm - 7.30pm  

IAN HAMILTON FINLAY: concrete as an ART form

Join us for an immersive evening of film, spoken word and live music exploring the creative world and collaborations of Ian Hamilton Finlay HRSA

A double bill comprising a film evoking Finlay’s first poetic developments as an “avant-gardener” and a live performance of the spoken word and sound by acclaimed Dada interpreter and pianist, Florian Kaplick. 

The film The Boat in the Writing Room, 2025, written and presented by Alistair Peebles,  and directed by Michael Lloyd: flytingfilms & Brae Editions, explores a crucial but largely forgotten phase of Finlay’s early career.

It retraces the origins of Stonypath, Little Sparta in his year in the Eastern Highlands (1965/66), while a live performance by acclaimed Dada interpreter and pianist Florian Kaplick weaves connections between Finlay, Austrian poet Ernst Jandl, and the music of Erik Satie. Together, they form an immersive exploration of Finlay’s creative relationships across art, poetry and music. Performers include Michael Lloyd, Alistair Peebles, and Florian Kaplick

Your ticket includes entry to both the screening of The Boat in the Writing Room and the live performance by Florian Kaplick, along with a complimentary glass of bubbly and comfort breaks during the event. Spaces are limited and advance booking is recommended.

Date: 06 September 2026
Time: 16:30 – 19:30
Tickets: £15.00 per person

Please note that this venue does not currently offer step-free access. 

Supported by BTO, sponsor of the 2026 PhotoDalkeith programme.

13 September, 4.30 pm - 7.30pm  

Ruskin Live 'Lay Thy Stones With Fair Colours'

A dramatic re-creation by Paul O’Keeffe of one of the greatest lectures of the 19th century, delivered in Edinburgh in 1853, by the eminent art critic John Ruskin, who caused an uproar when aiming his witty and wilfully contentious views at William Henry Playfair RSA's Royal Scottish Academy building.

In 1853, the eminent Victorian art critic John Ruskin delivered his first public lectures in  Edinburgh. His subject was Architecture and his message – to the proud citizens of the Neo-Classical ‘Athens of the North’ – was that the Greek style of building was bad, ugly and oppressive and that they would be much better off adopting the Gothic style instead. His witty, outspoken and wilfully contentious views caused an uproar. ‘Do not ask any architect of established reputation whether I am right or not’, he told his audience. ‘You might as well ask a Roman Catholic archbishop his opinion of Martin Luther.’

Join us for an immersive performance exploring Ruskin’s provocative critique of the Royal Scottish Academy building and the uproar it caused at the time.

Spaces are limited and advance booking is recommended. 

Date: 13 September 2026
Time: 4.30pm – 7.30pm 
Tickets: £15.00 per person

Please note that this venue does not currently offer step-free access. 

Supported by BTO, sponsor of the 2026 PhotoDalkeith programme.

20 September, 4.30 - 7.30pm 

Orkney Sequence

Inspired by Orkney’s shifting seasons, this immersive performance at Dalkeith Palace combines music by Gemma McGregor with animated visuals of Victoria Crowe RSA’s paintings, culminating in a powerful sensory experience.

In a celebration of Orkney’s summer and winter solstices, renowned artist Victoria Crowe RSA and Orkney-based composer Gemma McGregor have worked on the Orkney Sequence, a collaboration inspired by Victoria Crowe’s recent Orkney paintings. Performed live, the evocative music is accompanied by an animated projection of Crowe’s paintings, culminating in a powerful, immersive experience. This emotive, resonating performance will include talks by both Victoria Crowe and Gemma McGregor. 

The event includes entry to the performance, a complimentary glass of bubbly, and the opportunity to purchase a signed copy of The Orkney Works published by the RSA and The Piers Arts Centre at an exclusive event price. Spaces are limited and advance booking is recommended.

Date: 20 September 2026
Time: 4.30 - 7.30
Tickets: £15.00 per person

Please note that this venue does not currently offer step-free access. 

Supported by BTO, sponsor of the 2026 PhotoDalkeith programme.

26 September, 11am -  3pm 

Hill & Adamson: Pioneers of Photography & Exhibition Tour with Calum Colvin RSA, Julie Lawson RSA and Sandy Wood, RSA Head of Collections.

Join publisher Alexander Hamilton, historian Sara Stevenson and contemporary artist Caroline Douglas for a discussion exploring the significance of David Octavius Hill RSA and Robert Adamson’s pioneering photography, and its continuing relevance today. The conversation will draw on Stevenson’s new publication on the Firth of Forth fisherfolk and Douglas’s new work created for PhotoDalkeith RSA 200, offering perspectives on how these remarkable images continue to inspire historical research and contemporary artistic practice.

Following a short break, visitors are invited to join a tour of the exhibition led by artist-curator Calum Colvin RSA, curator Julie Lawson RSA Sandy Wood Head of  RSA Collections. 

Tickets include admission to both the talk and tour, plus a £5 discount on the book. Spaces are limited and advance booking is recommended.  During the break, guests are welcome to make use of the onsite Pop-up Café or visit the facilities at Restoration Yard. 

Date: 26 September 2026
Time: 11:00–12:00 Conversation

12:00 13:45 Break

13:45–15:00 Exhibition Tour

Tickets: £15.00 per person 

Please note that this venue does not currently offer step-free access. 

Supported by BTO, sponsor of the 2026 PhotoDalkeith programme.