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A stunning new sculpture has been unveiled in Edinburgh
The artwork, created by the artist behind the Kelpies, has been unveiled at the University of Edinburgh
A striking new 15ft steel sculpture is the latest addition to the grounds of the University of Edinburgh. The structure depicts a colossal silver horse’s head, making for an eye-catching work of art weighing in at around 1.5 tonnes.
The piece, officially named Canter, has taken over a year to complete from initial sketches to the towering final product. It is made from welded steel flat bars of various thicknesses and widths.
The horse’s head forms the centrepiece of the entrance way to a new university hub for students and staff, located at the university’s Royal School of Veterinary Studies. It was unveiled during the building’s official opening earlier this month by Princess Anne, who is the university’s chancellor.
Speaking after the piece’s unveiling, head of the veterinary school Professor David Argyle, described Canter as “an incredible piece of art.”
The Princess Royal could be seen admiring the sculpture during the ceremony, during which she also launched the school’s newly redeveloped equine hospital.
The artist behind the sculpture, Andy Scott, is also the designer behind the famous Kelpies sculptures in Falkirk. Describing the finished product, Andy said:
“I chose a heavy horse to reflect the original intent of the school, which was set up to help workhorses in the early 19th century.
“I am delighted with how it fits into the environment, blending with the unique architecture features of the building and the stone plinth.”
There is culture to be found all over the Scottish capital
Canter is only the latest in a string of cultural highlights to be found across the Scottish capital. Here are a few other artistic gems you can find in some of Edinburgh’s famous galleries.
Robert Burns by Alexander Nasmyth
A trip to the Scottish capital isn’t complete without a visit to see the country’s national bard. This captivating portrait of Scotland’s most famous wordsmith is housed in the beautiful Scottish National Portrait Gallery, among a sea of other famous Scottish icons. The oil on canvas piece, created by celebrated landscape and portrait painter Alexander Nasmyth, was bequeathed to the gallery by Colonel William Burns in 1872.
The Three Ages of Man by Titian (Tiziano Vecellio)
This touching, thought-provoking 16th century piece by Titian outlines the various stages of human life, from the winged cupid babies dozing peacefully and the star-crossed young lovers staring into each other’s eyes, to the old man pontificating over two skulls before a distant church, signifying the afterlife. The longer you stare at this painting, found in the Scottish National Gallery, the more there is to see.
Revd Robert Walker Skating on Duddingston Loch by Sir Henry Raeburn
Another well-known painting housed in the Scottish National Gallery is Revd Robert Walker Skating on Duddingston Loch. This 18th century piece has served as one of Scotland’s most famous works of art for many years, thanks to its unique setting and composition. Raeburn paints his subject performing a striking pose on the loch near one of Edinburgh’s famous sites, Arthur’s Seat.
Vulcan by Eduardo Paolozzi
If modern is more your taste, wet your appetite for Canter with another impressive metallic structure. Vulcan is made from welded steel, and depicts a huge, imposing figure of a half man, half machine in reference to Vulcan: the Roman God of Fire and Blacksmith. Created between 1998 and 1999, you can find this piece in the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.
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