Poetry for the Palace
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.
Video: Artist Stephen Raw on working with Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy
Artist Stephen Raw has collaborated with Carol Ann Duffy on many of her public commissions.
Audio: Poetry readings by Carol Ann Duffy
Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy reads a series of her poems, recorded for the exhibition, Poetry for the Palace.
Audio: Poetry readings by Daniel Day Lewis
Daniel Day Lewis reads the poems of his father, the Poet Laureate C. Day Lewis
Audio: Poetry readings by Timothy West
Actor Timothy West reads the poems of John Dryden, William Wordsworth and Alfred, Lord Tennyson
Audience choice
From Dryden to Duffy – what is your favourite Laureate poem?
Timeline
Look back through the Poet Laureates from the seventeenth century to the present day.
Poetry, fashion and communication
Students from Heriot Watt University's Fashion Communication BA course were asked to respond to the Poetry for the...
Installation and opening shots
Shots from the installation of the gallery
Events programme
Map & directions
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
Edinburgh Waverley. The Queen's Gallery is a 15 minute walk from the station.
By tram
The nearest tram stop is York Place. The Queen’s Gallery is a 20 minute walk from the station. 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. Cycle hire stations are available nearby on both Holyrood Road and Abbeyhill, within a 5 minute walk of the Palace and The Queen’s Gallery. Visit Edinburgh Cycle Hire for details.
