Launch of Blueprint Dunfermline

A celebration of Architecture and the Built Environment in Dunfermline and West Fife

Blueprint Dunfermline, a celebration of architecture and the built environment in Dunfermline and West Fife, launches on 2 September. The initiative will highlight - for the benefit of locals and visitors alike - the quality and antiquity of West Fife from its varied domestic architecture to its historically important and internationally recognised buildings and landmarks.

The programme of events, exhibitions and lighting installations, which is being delivered by a collection of local volunteer groups and is led by online culture magazine Avocado Sweet, will run until mid-2017.

Jane Livingstone and Michelle McWilliams of Avocado Sweet: “The unsung architecture in west Fife has, with impressive buildings such as the Abbey, a good story to tell. But there are other hidden gems we want to talk about. For instance, not many people know the National Trust in Scotland started in Culross; their first building was in the Fife village and that several features of architectural interest can be spotted from the No 5 circular bus route! Also, we had a shared ambition with the Festivals Unit at Fife Council, that Dunfermline and West Fife were represented during the Year of Architecture, Innovation and Design.”

As well as Avocado Sweet, the local groups volunteering their time to Blueprint include Fire Station Creative, Sam Foster Architects, Red Field Arts, Central Dunfermline Community Council, Carnegie UK Trust and Chalk Original Plaster.

The first event in the Blueprint Dunfermline calendar is an exciting exhibition by Chalk, which opens on 2 September. Ffion and Steven Blench, a husband and wife team from Aberdour,  are showcasing their own modern decorative plasterwork at Fire Station Creative alongside pieces by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, George Bankart and Thomas Clayton. The couple have previously worked on prestigious restoration projects such as Stirling Castle, The Assembly Rooms and Blair Atholl Castle.

The second event on 7 September is a series of lightning-fast presentations at an architecture-themed Pecha Kucha run with Create in Fife, Fife Cultural Trust.

Blueprint Dunfermline is also working with Red Field Arts to highlight the architecture in the closes and pends of Dunfermline with interactive lighting installations.  Old School Close is the first location proposed.

“We’ve had a good response to Blueprint Dunfermline when we’ve approached funders such as Fife Council Strategic Events Investment Programme, Carnegie Dunfermline Trust, Canvas Holidays and Campion Homes. Dunfermline Delivers has been very positive so we’re working closely with them to coordinate events and activities.

Other planned activities include:

* A new Dunfermline map featuring hand drawn illustrations by Tupelo Tree will be distributed free.

* Images of ‘Old Dunfermline’ will be projected onto a prominent city centre building.

* An exhibition curated by artist Ian Moir will describe his proposed new spire landmark for Fife

* A drop in architecture clinic will be an opportunity for the public to access free expert advice and inspiration.

* A leaflet will point out places of architectural interest that can be spotted from the No 5 circular bus route.

* Expert tour guides will host walks around Dunfermline and Culross.

* A tour of Andrew Carnegie House will give visitors the chance to see inside one of Dunfermline’s newest architectural landmarks.

* Pupils from Commercial primary school will design an ‘Outdoor classroom’ with help from Sam Foster Architects.

* A series of windsocks created by artist Olga Krasanova and inspired by Dunfermline’s ancient buildings will fly from the Fire Station.

* A photographic archive of images of Dunfermline’s architecture and built environment will be gathered throughout Blueprint.

More information is on the website http://www.blueprintdunfermline.com/