A National Library of Scotland partnership lecture to celebrate Edinburgh900
Scotland's first printing press was set up in the Cowgate in 1508. This illustrated talk at the City Art Centre will introduce the main players involved in its establishment – a king, an archbishop, a merchant and a printer – and the first books printed in Scotland, which are currently on display in the Library's 'Treasures' exhibition.
A look at later 16th-century Edinburgh printers and the texts they produced will provide an insight into the domestic book market and the kind of books people wanted to read 500 years ago. It will conclude with a brief outline of the spread of printing beyond the capital: in the 16th century, only two other Scottish towns became home to a printing press. Guess which!
Dr Anette Hagan has been Rare Books Curator at the National Library of Scotland since 2002. Responsible for the early printed collections produced before 1701, she has spoken and published widely about different aspects of early printing. She is also lead curator for the Library’s current special exhibition 'Renaissance: Scotland and Europe 1480-1630'.
About Edinburgh900
Edinburgh has selected 2024 to mark the start of the 900th anniversary of our city, and to tell the story of Edinburgh's journey through the centuries from the 12th century City of David right up to the 21st century, the City of Diversity.
A series of talks at the City Art Centre will celebrate the 10 themes from summer 2024 until August 2025.
The National Library of Scotland will be celebrating its own anniversary in 2025 with special programming in Edinburgh and further afield to mark its Centenary year.
Contact the City Art Centre for any queries about this event.
