Nature Finds A Way……..Changes………From Talbot Rice Gallery……..From ‘Freedom From Torture’…..
by Bernie Bell - 08:19 on 28 July 2025
Nature Finds A Way….
Readers of m’blog might remember this…..
http://www.spanglefish.com/berniesblog/blog.asp?blogid=17080
Mike walked by the place where the pool used to be and among the general greenery which is colonizing the earth there, is a lovely Poppy – not exactly a wild one. Presumably from a seed which was in the soil that was dumped there.....
Nature finds a way, and we look forward to seeing what else turns up - possibly including the off-spring of this poppy!
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Changes…..
Today, our next-door neighbour is leaving Orkney – moving South. We hope all goes well for him, but are sorry to see him go as he’s a good bloke and a good neighbour.
I’m posting about this, as it matters in our life. A different next-door neighbour means a big change, from someone we know and get on with, to ….the unknown.
I don’t like change, but it’s part of life and I’ll have to take it on board and adapt.
Mike is going along, as he does….steady….sorry to see Steve leave, but accepting of change more than I am.
His policy is always..…’We’ll just have to wait and see.’
A good way to be, if you can manage it!
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From Talbot Rice Gallery……..
"Now open: Wael Shawky
Tue - Sun until Saturday 28 September
Open every day during August
Our brand new exhibition Wael Shawky is now open. On the occasion of our 50th anniversary, we are delighted to present two large-scale film productions (including the UK premiere of Drama 1882), numerous glass marionettes and sculptures (many of which have featured in Wael's films), alongside drawings and items selected by Shawky from Islamic and Byzantine collections of the University of Edinburgh.
"Feats of imagination and craftsmanship, taking on monumental historic events" - Ocula
"Wael Shawky explores a theatrical moment in history in Edinburgh, pull strings to get there if you can" - Wallpaper*
"If you can get to Talbot Rice Gallery in Edinburgh, this exhibition is just extraordinary and his (Wael Shawky) artistry is out of this world" - BBC Radio 4
"Shawky's stories are severe and bloody, but the world he brings to life is awash with colour and texture, time-slips and entangled ideologies" - Financial Times
Upcoming events
British Sign Language (BSL) Tour
Wednesday 13 August, book tickets
Join Trudi Collier for a deaf-led BSL tour of the exhibition Wael Shawky, as part of Edinburgh Deaf Led Festival. There will be a BSL interpreter present. The tour lasts one hour and will begin at the entrance of Talbot Rice Gallery on the ground floor, at the bottom of the stairs, next to a BSL Tour sign.
Sensory-Friendly Morning
Tuesday 19 August, book tickets
These sessions are designed to prioritise the sensory needs of autistic people, other neurodivergent people. those with additional sensory support needs or anyone else who may prefer a more relaxed experience of the gallery.
Children's activity book
At Talbot Rice Gallery, we believe that art is for everyone and that includes young people. We've recently launched our brand new activity book designed to keep kids engaged and excited during their visit to the gallery. The interactive book is designed for ages 5+ and is packed with prompts and fun questions. It turns contemporary art into an adventure, making the exhibition an opportunity to learn, play and imagine.
Grab one at the welcome desk and turn your child's trip into a creative journey!
Community engagement
Last week we had the privilege of The Welcoming, a group that supports people who are new to Edinburgh, visiting our Wael Shawky exhibition.
The group toured the exhibition with our Community Engagement Officer, Sarah Leal, watched Drama 1882, and engaged in powerful conversations about art and the history of Egypt.
It was a meaningful afternoon and we are grateful to have shared this space with such thoughtful and engaged people.
Thank you
A huge thank you to everybody who attended our Opening Reception last month. We loved spending the afternoon with you and watching you encounter Wael Shawky's incredible artworks. If you enjoyed the event, or your recent visit to the gallery, please consider leaving a Google review. A quick review helps new audiences discover us and supports the growth of contemporary art across the city. Thank you!
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From ‘Freedom From Torture’…..
“20 years ago, I had no choice but to flee my home country in Africa.
When I arrived in the UK, I was so happy and I truly believed I would be protected. I survived torture and escaped with my life. I had travelled for seven months but I’d made it.
But everything collapsed after a Home Office screening interview, when I was taken to a detention centre right next to an airport. I knew I couldn’t face it.
Thankfully, I was referred to Freedom from Torture, it became my sanctuary and place of recovery.
ears on, Freedom from Torture has become my place of work, my family and I have dedicated myself to supporting and empowering other survivors.
It’s been 40 years since the organisation was founded because a small group of individuals refused to be silent about the injustice and inhumanity of torture. Today, that spirit lives on and until torture stops, neither will we. But with demand for our services growing, our work is as important as ever.
Each month we receive around 100 requests for help, and we have no choice but to turn people away. It’s devastating and I can’t imagine where I would be now if that had been me.
Bernie, every torture survivor deserves a chance to heal and put the pain of the past behind them. This is why I urge you to give today – because your support can help more survivors begin their recovery.
here is still time so much to do. But we have unwavering convictions and Bernie, with committed supporters like you on our side – we won’t stop until torture is a thing of the past.
Kolbassia Haoussou, MBE
Survivor Leadership & Influencing Director
P.S. The life I have today is all down to Freedom from Torture, but it wouldn’t have been possible without your generosity and support. You can help more survivors like me, with a gift today.
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