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Fri 10 Jul
Birnam Arts Open Mic Night
19:30 - 22:00
Doors Open 19:00
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Fri 10 Jul
Birnam Arts Open Mic Night
19:30 - 22:00
Doors Open 19:00
MORE
Born into a wealthy London family in 1866, Beatrix had a privileged yet lonely upbringing. As a child she became interested in the natural world and spent much of her time drawing and sketching.. Untamed childhood summers spent in Perthshire nurtured her creativity.
These long summer breaks with her family in Dalguise, on the River Tay – usually from July to the end of the salmon season in October – started when Beatrix was quite young, and continued for a decade, into her mid-teens. It was during this time that she was free to explore the countryside around her, indulging her interest in the natural world. It was this time that was to be one of the most enduring influences on Beatrix's development, both as an artist and scientist.
Even when the family summered in the Lake District, Beatrix visited Dalguise in 1884 with her father.
It was in 1892, while the family was at Heath Park in Birnam, that Beatrix first met Charles Macintosh, postman for the Dalguise postal district. Beatrix's interest had turned to mycology, the study of fungi, and it was this shared interest which brought Beatrix Potter and Charles Macintosh together for the first time.Charles’ occupation was an ideal one for a budding natural historian, his daily walks delivering mail allowing him to study the local flora and fauna.
They had both been aware of the other’s interest in fungi, each approaching the topic from a different perspective: Charles, in his 50s, more scientific, and Beatrix, in her mid 20s, both scientific and aesthetic. This meeting led to a long collaborative correspondence which greatly benefited both.
In 1893, while staying in Eastwood House in Dunkeld, Beatrix wrote a 'picture letter' to the young son of her former governess. The letter became the basis for her first book 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit'. Similarly, a later book 'The Tale of Jeremy Fisher' also started life as a picture letter with characters clearly based on her study and exploration on the banks of the River Tay. Additionally, The tale of Mrs Tiggy Winkle' is thought to be inspired by the Potters' washer woman at Dalguise, Kitty MacDonald of Inver.
Browse a wide selection of Beatrix Potter themed merchandise in our Gift Shop from books & stationery to candles & jewellery.
Discover Beatrix Potter’s remarkable connection to Highland Perthshire and the landscapes and people that inspired her life and work in our charming exhibition at Birnam Arts
Info >Enter an enchanting natural world where Beatrix Potter’s stories come to life. Discover delightful character sculptures, crafted benches and hidden surprises - part of the Beatrix Potter™ Perthshire Experience at Birnam Arts.
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Compact Arts & Conference Centre, it is also the exhibition centre for Beatrix Potter with an adjacent themed garden. The centre has a cafe with indoor / outdoor seating areas. Throughout the year the arts centre hosts a variety of different acts, shows, talks & exhibitions.
Simon Hawkes | Google Reviews
Beautiful space, lovely people, Beatrix Potter Gardens and a wonderful exhibition "Earthly Walks" by Grigorios Karastamatis until the 18th of July (2021)!
Stella Valvi | Google Reviews
There are two dedicated accessible car park spaces directly in front of the venue. There is a gentle slope from street level up to the accessible entrance.
Using the touch pad, enter via the large glass doors to the right of the main entrance.
There are two Accessible Toilets within the venue, one on each level.
There are ramps situated throughout the building to enable easy access from the Café to the Box Office and Shop, as well as on the first floor to go from the Gallery to the Meeting Room.
There is a lift between the ground level and first floor.
View our floorplan for more
detailed information.
Our Shop has a unique selection of gifts sourced both locally and from throughout Scotland. With a range of design, jewellery and craft items there’s a little something for everyone. We also stock the largest range of Beatrix Potter merchandise in the country.
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Located in the heart of Birnam Arts, our café is the meeting place and gathering space for everyone, from local friendly faces to new visitors from far and wide.
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Birnam Arts delivers a programme of monthly exhibitions showing work by artists at varying stages of their careers within both solo and group exhibitions.
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Box Office
Open periodically throughout the week | Book online 24/7
Cafe
Daily | 10 - 4
Welcome to Birnam Arts, a boutique multi-purpose arts, conferencing and entertainment venue.
Pop in to the Foyer Cafe for breakfast, grab a delicious coffee with a selection of our homemade baking or enjoy a light lunch whilst browsing on the free WiFi. Wander upstairs to view the latest of our monthly art exhibitions before visiting the world of Beatrix Potter, or the Gift Shop to purchase a special gift for your loved ones or yourself!
Happy to support this incredible venue which hosted our wedding 3 years ago now. Still the best day of our lives and the Birnam arts played a huge part in that!
Jane Lewis | Crowdfunder #savebirnamarts 2020
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Great exhibition and performance spaces. Lovely terrace and indoor seating with lots of light. Great food and drinks and even a garden next-door for a stroll afterwards. Like
John Kirkwood | Google Reviews
Entrance
Kinnaird
Cafe
Beatrix Potter
Shop
Gallery
Studio