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Exhibition

Poetry for the Palace

Poetry: © Carol Ann Duffy; Artwork: © Stephen Raw; Photograph: Royal Collection Trust
Poetry for the Palace: Poets Laureate from Dryden to Duffy ©
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The Queen's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse

  • Daily (Wednesday, 6 Aug 2014 - Sunday, 2 Nov 2014)

The office of Poet Laureate is a special honour awarded by the Sovereign to a poet whose work is of national significance. 

This exhibition celebrates the work of the current Poet Laureate, Carol Ann Duffy, at the half-way point in her laureateship.

It explores the role of the Poet Laureate, and the close relationship between poet and monarch over the last three and a half centuries. It brings together presentation volumes, original manuscripts, annotated collections of poetry and remarkable images of poets, including John Dryden, William Wordsworth, Alfred, Lord Tennyson, John Betjeman and Ted Hughes. 

Carol Ann Duffy’s poetry is also represented by the work of the textual artist Stephen Raw, who has created several pieces for the exhibition.

Events programme

Map & directions

The Queen's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Canongate, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH8 8DX
By car

There is a public car park adjacent to the Palace at Broad Pavement. Please visit the Historic Environment Scotland website for more details.

Accessible parking spaces are located on Horse Wynd, just outside the Palace, on a first-come first-serve basis.

By train

The nearest train station is Edinburgh Waverley. The Queen's Gallery is a 15 minute walk from the station.  

Visit National Rail Enquiries for times and fares.

By tram

The nearest tram stop is York Place. The Queen’s Gallery is a 20 minute walk from the stop.

Visit Edinburgh Trams for times and fares.

By coach / bus

Bus numbers 6 and 35 stop near the Gallery.  Open-top tour buses stop nearby.

Limited free coach parking is available adjacent to the Palace. Alternative pay-and-display coach parking is available on nearby Regent Road.

By bike

A free-to-use public bicycle rack is located opposite the Scottish Parliament.