Demarco's Edinburgh

Gallery Director, artist and teacher Richard Demarco was in at the very start of the Edinburgh Festival in August 1947. Born at the beginning of that same year, Roddy Martine’s involvement commenced in 1963 when, at the age of sixteen, he edited an Edinburgh Festival magazine. Therefore both Richard and Roddy have highly individual memories of the most remarkable international festival of the arts the world has ever known. At the same time, both have witnessed its evolution from the noble vision of its founders. Now in its seventy-sixth year, can the Edinburgh Festival survive?Demarco’s Edinburgh will be a hit with any Edinburgh Festival regular, newbie or on-and-off visitor. It will also be of interest to anyone who wants to learn more about the modern history of Edinburgh or the world of the arts, given the central role the festivals hold in the culture of both.

As well as being recognised internationally as an artist, Richard is equally recognised as the promoter of exhibitions and theatre events that have broken new ground in Britain and further beyond, to which the long list of his national and international awards and honours attests. His writing is as idiosyncratic and enthralling as his drawings, driven by true passion and belief, the personal account of an artist whose deeply rooted and abiding love for his native Scotland shines clearly in his words. RICHARD NOYCE

Everyone’s pride in the Festival’s achievements is tangible and infectious. NICOLA BENEDETTI, Festival Director on the Edinburgh Festivals

The Scottish artist Richard Demarco once said: "The Scots think of it as their capital; they''re too possessive, Edinburgh belongs to the world." And following a recent visit to the Scottish capital, I can see what he means. MICHAEL MCCREADY, Belfast Telegraph

Gallery Director, artist and teacher Richard Demarco was in at the very start of the Edinburgh Festival in August 1947. Born at the beginning of that same year, Roddy Martine’s involvement commenced in 1963 when, at the age of sixteen, he edited an Edinburgh Festival magazine. 

Therefore both Richard and Roddy have highly individual memories of the most remarkable international festival of the arts the world has ever known. At the same time, both have witnessed its evolution from the noble vision of its founders. 

Now in its seventy-sixth year, can the Edinburgh Festival survive?

Demarco’s Edinburgh will be a hit with any Edinburgh Festival regular, newbie or on-and-off visitor. It will also be of interest to anyone who wants to learn more about the modern history of Edinburgh or the world of the arts, given the central role the festivals hold in the culture of both.

• | Author: Richard Demarco, Roddy Martine
• | Publisher: Luath Press Ltd
• | Publication Date: Aug 30, 2023
• | Number of Pages:
• | Language:
• | Binding: Paperback / softback
• | ISBN-13: 9781804250952
• | ISBN-10: 1804250953