Exhibition shines light on medieval city streets

‘Vennels: Perth’s Little Streets’ at Perth Museum will look at what life was like for traders and craftspeople who used to live there.

The rarely seen archaeological discoveries that form part of the exhibition help show how the walkways of Perth’s distinctive medieval street plan remain a part of the modern city.

The museum, which opened in 2024 after a £27 million redevelopment, will display objects linked to the city’s historic traders, crafters, and food producers

The council has also commissioned five public artworks related to the city’s vennels. Some of these are already on display around the city, while others will be installed in the coming months.

Commissioned by Perth & Kinross Council’s place development team in collaboration with the UNESCO city of craft and folk art designation, the artists behind the projects - Heather Cumming, Ellietype and Lindsay Grime, Neo Hanna, Kate Robinson and Eleanor Wheeler - have responded to the craft heritage of the historic vennels to create works situated in the unique setting of a bustling city centre.

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Mark Hall, collections officer at Culture Perth & Kinross, said: “Known as a ‘Craftis Toun’ since medieval times, Perth has a rich tradition of skilled trades and craftsmanship.

“We are extremely pleased to share objects from our collections that tell the story of these crafts and industries and the streets in which they were practised.

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“We hope visitors will enjoy learning more about the history of the Fair City before discovering the artworks that celebrate the vennels.”

UNESCO programme officer Poppy Jarratt said: “As a UNESCO creative city, Perth has committed to championing culture and creativity as a driver for sustainable development.

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“Craft is written into the geography of Perth’s city centre, with the vennels being known for the crafts and trades they once held. It’s exciting to see that creativity is still thriving in the vennels today.”

She added: “We have a wealth of brilliant cultural venues in Perth, and as a walkable city, the spaces between places can be just as important as your final destination, so making sure our communities and visitors can access and enjoy culture in the in-betweens is so exciting, and I think this exhibition is an opportunity to showcase the uniqueness of our cultural history and creative journey.”

Alan Farnington, senior economic development officer at Perth & Kinross Council, said the commissioning of the new artworks formed a “vibrant” and “integral” part of the summer exhibition at the museum, which has welcomed more than 450,000 visitors since opening.

“By transforming these characterful historic routes, the project brings contemporary creativity into some of Perth’s most distinctive spaces,” he explained. “The museum exhibition and new commissions offer a celebration of Perth, encouraging residents and visitors alike to explore the city and experience its rich craft heritage in new ways.”

The exhibition will run from Friday 29 May until Sunday 6 September. Admission to the exhibition is free, however donations are encouraged.