Edinburgh’s Bard gallery in Leith has kicked off its third anniversary with the Bardware exhibition, inviting visitors to touch and explore works by 22 Scottish craft makers. Running through January 2026, this show turns the everyday hardware store into a playground for sensory art, blending old techniques with fresh ideas to celebrate making and mending.
The Vision Behind Bardware
Bard gallery, founded in 2022 by Hugo Macdonald and James Stevens, sits in Leith’s historic Custom Lane. This spot has become a hub for Scottish craft, drawing artists who mix tradition with modern twists.
The Bardware show draws from the pair’s own experience renovating their space from an old warehouse. They wanted to highlight how hardware stores spark creativity, full of tools and materials that inspire hands-on work.
This year’s theme builds on past anniversary shows that explored Scottish identity. By focusing on touch, the exhibition fights against our screen-heavy world, where people often forget the joy of feeling textures.
Macdonald explains that craft keeps sensory experiences alive. The show aims to wake up visitors’ senses, making art something you can hold and feel.
Featured Makers and Their Creations
Twenty-two makers from Scotland or with Scottish roots bring unique pieces to Bardware. Each work ties into hardware themes like tools, fixtures, and everyday fixes.
For example, sculptor James Rigler offers bronze-glazed ceramic knobs inspired by 19th-century designs from Alexander Thomson. These pieces turn simple hardware into art that begs to be touched.
Designer Eve Eunson weaves baskets from sea plastic collected on Shetland beaches. Her work shows how waste can become something useful and beautiful.
Glass artist Juli Bolaños-Durman crafts toilet roll holders from salvaged wood and glass. These items mix function with sculpture, proving craft can elevate daily objects.
Silversmith David Taylor, based in Sweden but Scottish by origin, presents a bold four-armed candelabra. It stands out as a mix of metalwork tradition and modern form.
Other highlights include willow works by All About Willow, knives from Clement Knives, and pieces by Jess White and Oliver Spendley. These makers use materials like whisky barrels and recycled bits to create tactile wonders.
Why Touch Matters in Craft
In a world full of digital screens, Bardware pushes back by encouraging visitors to pick up and feel the art. This “please touch” rule breaks from usual gallery norms where handling is off-limits.
Experts say touch helps us learn and connect with objects. Macdonald notes that people used to rely on touch more before tech took over.
This approach fits broader trends in Scottish art. Recent shows, like the Royal Scottish Academy’s 200th birthday celebration in 2026, also spotlight hands-on creativity.
Craft remains a way to explore materials deeply. It invites emotional ties, turning viewers into active participants.
The exhibition ties into Scotland’s craft revival, seen in places like the Graystone Gallery’s winter show featuring contemporary artists.
Exhibition Details and Visitor Tips
Bardware runs from late 2025 into January 2026 at Bard in Leith, open Fridays to Sundays from 11am to 5pm. Entry is free, making it easy for locals and tourists to join.
To make the most of your visit, plan for a hands-on experience. The gallery’s setup mimics a hardware store, with items displayed for easy access.
Here’s a quick guide to key details:
- Location: Custom Lane, Leith, Edinburgh
- Dates: Through January 31, 2026
- Hours: 11am to 5pm, Friday to Sunday
- Cost: Free admission
- Highlights: Interactive displays and maker talks on select weekends
Visitors rave about the tactile joy. One recent attendee shared how touching the sea-plastic baskets changed their view on recycled art.
If you’re in Edinburgh, pair this with other 2026 events like the Royal Scottish Academy exhibition for a full art day.
Impact on Scotland’s Craft Scene
Bardware boosts Scotland’s growing craft movement. It connects makers with buyers, helping small studios thrive.
The show highlights issues like sustainability, with many pieces using recycled materials. This resonates amid global calls for eco-friendly art.
Scottish craft has seen a surge, with galleries like Bard leading the way. Events such as the Edinburgh Art Festival feature similar tactile works.
Looking ahead, 2026 promises more, including shows at the Fleming Collection and Pastel Society. These build on Bardware’s success.
By championing living artists, Bard preserves traditions while pushing boundaries. It shows craft as vital to cultural identity.
Experts predict this trend will grow, drawing more international attention to Scottish makers.
| Exhibition Feature | Description | Maker Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Tactile Elements | Items designed for touching, like knobs and baskets | James Rigler, Eve Eunson |
| Sustainable Materials | Use of sea plastic and salvaged wood | Eve Eunson, Juli Bolaños-Durman |
| Functional Art | Everyday objects turned sculptural | Juli Bolaños-Durman, David Taylor |
| Heritage Influences | Inspired by 19th-century designs | James Rigler |
| Sensory Focus | Emphasis on touch and feel | All featured makers |
This table sums up how Bardware blends art with utility.
The exhibition not only entertains but also inspires visitors to try crafting at home. It solves the problem of disconnected modern life by bringing back hands-on joy.
Share your thoughts on tactile art in the comments below, or spread the word about Bardware to friends planning Edinburgh trips.
