MADf UPlllSlORY THE THERMOS MUSEUM
It’s hard to imagine what to expect from a thermos museum, especially one in the New Kirkgate Centre in Leith. Outside the arcade is all galvanised steel and wannabe modern art, while inside I find the museum housed in a former greasy spoon cafe opposite Farmfoods. Now, I have to say that the title ‘museum’ is rather misleading because the experience that follows is so far removed from your average historical display that it really ought to have found a place in the comedy section of the Fringe programme. But there’s enough inside to satisfy both retro junkies and anyone looking for that totally unique Festival experience that makes August in Edinburgh such a treat.
Our tour guide is Neil Davidson, a self-confessed Luddite and flask aficionado, who, from 12 suitcases of thermos related memorabilia, has created a veritable magical mystery tour of the picnicking world. Dressed in a peaked cap, NHS specs and with an oversized torch under his arm, Davidson takes us through an imaginative history of the thermos from ancient urns (circa 50 million BC, apparently) to modern stainless steel. A broken bakelite number kicks off the proceedings, our solemn guide describing how the cracks were actually caused by a discerning shark trying to steal the delectable item from a fisherman. Davidson’s deadpan delivery is so pitch perfect that even when his audience are
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doubled up in laughter, he doesn’t crack a smile or drop his tour guide persona. At one point we are reprimanded for being too raucous, which makes me worried that our guide is in fact being totally serious - his attention to detail with things like brand names is meticulous, after all. However, as he informs us of the origins of the thermos (invented by Sir James Dewar in 1892), he is quick to point out that this is the only true fact we’ll hear all night.
The rest is an inspired run through the various incarnations of the flask, including a thermos device created to keep Sir Edmund Hilary’s boiled eggs warm and a selection of royal family memorabilia (one of which was reputedly owned by Prince Phillip). Each part is divided off by a series of lurid patterned curtains and while the whole set-up is fairly makeshift, this is part of its charm and it is clear that a huge amount of effort has been put into creating quirky displays. In one part a flask is transformed into a war time code-breaking machine, in another a revolving globe shows off carafes of the world, and we even get to see the world’s smallest flask set on its own special shelf. Finishing off with a visit to the stylish (if somewhat limited) gift shop, this is a rib- tickling trip down memory lane for pretty much anyone who’s ever been on a picnic. (Rachael Street) I The Thermos Museum. New Kirkgate Shopping Centre. Leith. 07930 420326 0/ 0777 I 566374 (bookings only). Dal/y t/nougltout August, I0am--6‘pm. Donut/ans welcome.
Talks
Catriona Grant Stills. 23 (‘ockbum Street. 622 6200. 6.30 8.30pm. Free. Edinburgh-based photographer gives a talk and slide presentation about her project. "l'he Examination Room'. which deals with the confrontation of the human form and the spaces of medical institutions. Without a Backwards Glance National l.ibrar_v of Scotland. (ieorge IV Bridge. 226 453 l. 7pm. Internationally z acclaimed novelist Ron Butlin reads from his latest volume Hit/mu! u Bur/(mm! (iltmu'. the first linglish language poetry I publication from Beirut-bases Bar/an Publishing.
Activmes & Events Summer Nights at the Observatory Royal Observatory Visitor Centre. ! Blackford Hill. 668 8404. 7~8.45pm. ' £3.50 (£2.50); famil) ticket £9. View images of the sun using the Royal ()hscrvatory's solar telescopes. keep your eyes peeled for sunspots. check out meteorites and find out where to look for Satum and Jupiter. Booking essential.
Fairs
Holistic Health Fair Brodies Close. High Street. 0|506 872 750. Noon—8pm. Rid yourself of the stress and strain of modern living with this weekend of exhibitions. seminars and therapies to enrich the mind. body and soul.
Activities & Events
Coburg House Studios Open Weekend (‘oburg House Studios. I5 (‘oburg Street. 665 l 155. l lam-6pm. Meet artists and designers in their own environment. selling paintings. jewellery. fashion. textiles. silvers and prints.
Rev! Streetdance Festival Ross Theatre Bandstand. Princes Street (iardens. 079l7 I06020. Noon—4pm. Free. l'rban dance workshops and performances from the cream of UK talent. hosted by M()B() winner Kele Le Roe.
Fairs
Holistic Health Fair Brodies Close. High Street. 01506 872 750. Noon—8pm. See l‘ri l2.
Antiques 8. Collectors Fair Royal Highland Centre. lngliston. 558 8720. Browse or buy from a wide range of antiques and collectibles.
The Leith Market Commercial Quay. Ocean Drive. 467 9422. A permanent market with food. fashion. design. antiques. fumiture. books and music.
Food & Drink , Edinburgh Farmers’ Market (‘astle Terrace. 652 5940. 9am 2pm. Due to the frenzied desire of lidinburghers to fill their cupboards with local. quality. ethical
produce. the (‘astle Terrace markets are
now a weekly institution.
Workshops
Sculpture Workshop Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop. 25 Hawthomvale. 55l 4490. l lam—5pm. £70 (£50). Artist- led workshop to create a large scale installation. Materials provided.
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Activities & Events
Lothian Conservation Volunteers: Pishwanton Wood St Andrew‘s Square. 337 0223. 9.30am. Help to cut gorse back and use it to make a woven fence to keep livestock from nibbling the hedges. You must book by the Friday before the task; meet at the north side of
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