Fresh History: Objects Recently Added to the City’s Collection showcases a fascinating range of artefacts acquired since 2024, bringing together fine art, decorative pieces, archaeological discoveries and historic objects spanning Roman times to the present day.
Among the highlights are a Roman gold coin discovered near Cramond, prints by Edinburgh-born artist Eduardo Paolozzi, 18th-century Edinburgh silverware and a 1950s doll’s pram from the Museum of Childhood collection, illustrating how plastics began transforming everyday household products.
The exhibition, opening on Thursday 22 October, also features ‘Insights’ from curators, donors, funders and others involved in securing the objects, providing further information about their history and significance.
It offers visitors the chance to see a selection of recent acquisitions and learn more about the objects being preserved in the City’s collections.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said:
Fresh History brings together a wide range of items, each offering a different perspective on the history of Edinburgh and beyond.
We are very lucky that members of the public are willing to donate their treasured artworks and objects to us. It’s great that we can bring this local heritage to a wider audience and give people the chance to learn more about our city.
Exhibition curator Vicky Garrington said:
Fresh History has presented a wonderful opportunity to show art and objects together that you might not expect to find in the same exhibition. Who would imagine that neolithic tools would be seen next to a Phyllis Bone sculpture and a bunch of 19th century pawn shop tickets?
It’s those unexpected pairings that bring the show to life – I like to think of the objects and artworks all talking to each other from across the centuries. I hope visitors enjoy the mixture as much as we do.
Fresh History: Objects recently added to the City’s collection runs from 22 October 2026 to 31 March 2027 at the Museum of Edinburgh. Admission is free.
