EXHIBITIONS

4 April – 1 June

Local Heroes:

The Art of the Graphic Novel

The evolution of the graphic novel as a ‘serious artform’, from its humble beginnings in newspaper cartoon strips and superhero comics, has been rapid and revolutionary. Its influence in cinema, popular culture and literature is beyond doubt, while the subject matter of illustrated works grows increasingly diverse. This exhibition draws on material from the Library’s vast collections to tell the story of how comics have ‘grown up’ over the past 40 years, and the influential role Scots artists and writers have played. The Broons, the superheroes and villains of Marvel comics and international work such as Tintin and Japanese Manga all feature, alongside the seminal work of Alan Moore, Art Speigelman and Frank Miller. Scottish artists featured include Grant Morrison, Alan Grant and Cam Kennedy, whose original artwork from the graphic novel adaptation of Kidnapped will also be on show. Put your creativity to the test with a host of interactive exercises.

Opening Hours: 10am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm Saturday and 2pm to 5pm Sundays

19 April – 22 June

Films from the Empire Exhibition

Venue: The Lighthouse, 11 Mitchell Street, Glasgow

To mark the 70th anniversary of the 1938 Empire Exhibition held in Bellahouston Park, The Lighthouse and Scottish Screen Archive present a selection of rare documentary and amateur films, recording the exhibition and its place in Glasgow's cultural history, as part of a larger city-wide series of events.

For further details visit: www.thelighthouse.co.uk. Tel: 0141 221 6362

On permanently

The John Murray Archive

Lord Byron, Charles Darwin and David Livingstone were just a few of the figures found in this remarkable publisher’s archive that shaped the world as we know it. State-of-the art technology brings their work, personalities and ideas to life. In April, Jane Austen gets her turn in the spotlight. Learn how these people contributed to one of the greatest periods of human progress and creativity and see if you could publish your own international bestseller.

Opening Hours: 10am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm Saturday and 2pm to 5pm Sundays

EVENTS

Booking essential for free events.

Events Line: 0131 623 4675 or e-mail events@nls.uk

Wednesday 9 April 7pm

Illustrated talk

Cam Kennedy and

Alan Grant in Conversation

Meet the creators of the graphic novel versions of Kidnapped and Jekyll and Hyde, and comic book veterans of 2000AD fame. Who were their early influences? How did they get into the world of comics? How has the political climate around comics changed? Chair:Hanna Sommerseth

Sunday 13 April 3pm

Venue: Edinburgh Filmhouse, Lothian Road, Edinburgh.

Tickets: Tickets and info: 0131 228 2688 and www.filmhousecinema.com.

Scottish Screen Archive on Tour

Ruth Washbrook presents a specially curated programme, looking at some of the key events of the 20th century, as shown on film. Watch rare footage of Edinburgh, made available with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Tuesday 15 April 1pm

Illustrated talk

Getting to Grips with Graphic Novels, Comics and Manga

Dr Mel Gibson talks about the history of the comics, and how parents, children and professionals can gain the most from their understanding and involvement with this fascinating medium.

Thursday 17 April 8pm

Venue: Queen’s Hall, Clerk Street,

Edinburgh.

Tickets: £7.50, £9.50 and £12.50 from QH Box Office on 0131 668 2019 and boxoffice@queenshalledinburgh.org

Concert

A' Adam's Bairns

Commemorating 200 years since the abolition of the slave trade, this concert features contemporary folk adaptations of songs based on the Library’s music manuscript collections, arranged by Dr Fred Freeman. The show explores Scotland's history as a multicultural society struggling to maintain its egalitarian values. An impressive line-up of singers includes Rod Paterson, Tich Frier, Nick Keir, Steve Byrne, John Morran, Ross Kennedy, Dave Taylor, Emily Smith, Wendy Weatherby and Gillian McDonald accompanied by Sandy Brechin, Aaron Jones, Frank McLaughlin, Stevie Lawrence, Shona Mooney, Richard Werner and Chris Agnew.

The A’ Adam’s Bairns project is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Wednesday

23 April 7pm

Illustrated talk

Metaphrog in Conversation

Graphic novelists Metaphrog (Sandra Marrs and John Chalmers) have been working together for over a decade. Creators of the critically acclaimed Louis series, they have received prestigious Eisner and Ignatz award nominations, and have collaborated with the renowned FatCat record label.They are currently working on a new book, Louis - Night Salad. Chair: Lisa Otty.

Thursday 24 April 2pm

Tickets: Tickets and info available from Hamilton Town House Library: 01698 452122.

Scottish Screen Archive at Hamilton Library

The Scottish Screen Archive presents a special film show as part of Local History Week. Key events from the 20th century feature alongside special footage of the South Lanarkshire area.

Friday 25 April 2pm

Tour

Meet Your Local Heroes

Curator John Birch gives a guided tour of the exhibition. Go behind the scenes and learn more about your favourite comics and graphic novels, and their creators.

Tuesday 29 April 7pm

Illustrated talk

From Electric Soup to Superman

Meet Scottish graphic artist Vincent Deighan, the man behind the pseudonym Frank Quitely. Quitely is the creator of the underground comix title Electric Soup and The Greens (a parody of The Broons). He has also illustrated Neil Gaiman’s Sandman: Endless Nights and DC Comics’ All Star Superman, and was responsible for The Batman:The Scottish Connection. Chair: Lisa Otty.