Wednesday October 21st 2026
Exhibition curator Vicky Garrington with a ceramic work by Kathleen Horsman
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
A Roman gold coin, artwork by an Edinburgh-born artist and a vintage doll’s pram are among the objects going on display in a new exhibition at the Museum of Edinburgh.
Fresh History: Objects recently added to the City’s collection opens on Thursday, October 22, bringing together acquisitions made since 2024 spanning fine art, decorative art, archaeology and historical objects from Roman times to the present day.
Highlights include a Roman gold coin discovered near Cramond, prints by Edinburgh-born artist Eduardo Paolozzi, 18th-century Edinburgh silver and a 1950s doll’s pram from the Museum of Childhood collection, which reflects the development of plastics in everyday products.
The exhibition also features insights from curators, donors, funders and others involved in acquiring the objects, offering visitors a closer look at their history and significance.
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 the display brought together objects and artworks visitors might not expect to see alongside one another.
“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 at the Museum of Edinburgh from October 22, 2026, to March 31, 2027. Admission is free.
More information is available at Culture Edinburgh.
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