Artist in Residence

in The Unicorn Room

 

We’re thrilled to continue our Artist in Residence programme, created to celebrate and support Edinburgh’s vibrant art scene and creative community. Each quarter, a local artist will set up studio in our Unicorn Room tucked away in one of the historic Old Town turrets on the 10th floor of the hotel. Guests of the hotel are invited to explore the artist’s studio, discover the inspiration behind their work, and experience the creative process up close.

*Application is now open for future aspiring artists that would like to be considered for Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s Artist in Residence initiative in July - September 2025.

 

Previous Artist:

Wendy Helliwell

For the months of August to October we were thrilled to have selected a local creative, Wendy Helliwell as our Artist in Residence. As a visual artist, Wedy takes inspiration from fashion and pop culture in here work. Primarily self taught, Wendy incorporates multiple materials, such as fashion magazines and clothing, in a sustainable and innovative way, to create unique, three dimensional art forms. Wendy residency took place during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where Wendy gave discarded Festival materials, such as promotional flyers a new lease of life to create never before seen art pieces which you can see and purchase HERE.

 

CONSTANTINE..

Our most recent Artist in Residence held their residency from March to June 2025.

Constantine.. is an artist deeply inspired by the mythological heritage and early surroundings of his hometown. Entirely self-taught, Constantine.. has always felt a deep calling toward art, a passion he has pursued without formal training.

His work centers on themes of self-reflection and the human tendency to judge others. Through his art, Constantine.. challenges societal norms and explores the duality of good and evil behind a mask in which you can view HERE.