Astley Ainslie Hospital

The Astley Ainslie is a rehabilitation hospital in the south of Edinburgh and the much-loved site comprises beautiful landscaped parkland. Established in 1921 thanks to a bequest from David Ainslie in memory of his nephew John Astley Ainslie. Canaan Park was the first building to be adapted for patient use, welcoming patients in 1923. The hospital became part of the National Health Service in 1948 and is scheduled to close in the next five years.

ACTIVITIES

SAT 28 SEPTEMBER:

The Travelling Darkroom with Photographer Natalie Feather in the Old School building 12:00 - 16:00 – Make your own black & white photographs choosing from a wide selection of negatives which have been taken from around the Astley Ainslie grounds and inside the buildings.

Walking Tours - Learn about the rich history of the site and the role of Astley Ainslie in the move from passive convalescence of patients to active rehabilitation and the introduction of Occupational Therapy. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. 12.30 & 14.30. Walks take an hour approximately.

Guided Tours of the AAH Occupational Therapy Buildings : This 30-minute guided tour will be led by NHS Occupational Therapy staff. You will learn about the Astley Ainsley’s pivotal role in establishing Occupational therapy’s important place in health and social care in Scotland. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Meet at the AAH Occupational Therapy buildings. 13:00, 14:14 & 15:30.

SUN 29 SEPTEMBER:

Cyanotype Photography in the Walled Garden with Photographer Natalie Feather. Make your own blue photograph using the power of sunlight to create an outline image of a flower.

Walking Tours, led by Dr Sara Stevenson, cultural historian and Dr Michelle Hipwell, health psychologist. Be prepared to be taken on a journey of the past, present and possible future of the site, combining story-telling and experiential explorations of the green spaces and landmarks. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Meet at the AAH Cafe, near Canaan Lane entrance. 12.30 & 14.30. Walks take an hour approximately.

SAT 28 and SUN 29 SEPTEMBER

Capturing the Astley Ainslie Exhibition in the Old School building. This exhibition will showcase photographs of the interior and exterior of the historic hospital buildings as well as the beautiful landscaped grounds of the hospital, as part of a 5-month project led by Photographer Natalie Feather from May – Sep 2019.

SAT 28 SEPTEMBER:

The Travelling Darkroom with Photographer Natalie Feather in the Old School building 12:00 - 16:00 – Make your own black & white photographs choosing from a wide selection of negatives which have been taken from around the Astley Ainslie grounds and inside the buildings.

Walking Tours - Learn about the rich history of the site and the role of Astley Ainslie in the move from passive convalescence of patients to active rehabilitation and the introduction of Occupational Therapy. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. 12.30 & 14.30. Walks take an hour approximately.

Guided Tours of the AAH Occupational Therapy Buildings : This 30-minute guided tour will be led by NHS Occupational Therapy staff. You will learn about the Astley Ainsley’s pivotal role in establishing Occupational therapy’s important place in health and social care in Scotland. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Meet at the AAH Occupational Therapy buildings. 13:00, 14:14 & 15:30.

SUN 29 SEPTEMBER:

Cyanotype Photography in the Walled Garden with Photographer Natalie Feather. Make your own blue photograph using the power of sunlight to create an outline image of a flower.

Walking Tours, led by Dr Sara Stevenson, cultural historian and Dr Michelle Hipwell, health psychologist. Be prepared to be taken on a journey of the past, present and possible future of the site, combining story-telling and experiential explorations of the green spaces and landmarks. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Meet at the AAH Cafe, near Canaan Lane entrance. 12.30 & 14.30. Walks take an hour approximately.

SAT 28 and SUN 29 SEPTEMBER

Capturing the Astley Ainslie Exhibition in the Old School building. This exhibition will showcase photographs of the interior and exterior of the historic hospital buildings as well as the beautiful landscaped grounds of the hospital, as part of a 5-month project led by Photographer Natalie Feather from May – Sep 2019.