Artist in Residence

Jennifer Court

Date: August - October

Jennifer Court is a self-taught illustrator inspired by Edinburgh’s historic architecture and hidden landmarks. With a background in art history and theology from Glasgow University, she transitioned from hobbyist to full-time artist, developing a detailed pen-and-ink style rooted in medieval art.

Her connection to Virgin Hotels Edinburgh began over seven years ago with a sketch of the building before its transformation. That illustration, now featuring the hotel’s signature red door, became part of its creative identity, appearing on menus, wedding stationery, and guest cards. From August to October 2025, Jennifer will take up residency in The Unicorn Room, a turreted 10th-floor studio with panoramic views of Edinburgh. She’ll create a new series focused on the city’s overlooked spaces and hidden stories. Visitors can watch her work, view past collections like her Scottish castles series and join interactive workshops starting in September.

Originals, prints, and postcards are available for purchase at the hotel’s boutique in the Funny Library or directly from The Unicorn Room Studio. To meet Jennifer or book a studio tour, contact our Concierge team or reach out via email at info@jennifercourt.co.uk or on Instagram @jennifercourt_art.

*Application is now open for future aspiring artists who would like to be considered for Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s Artist in Residence initiative in February - April 2026. Please contact us for an application form.

Email artist.inresidence@virginhotels.com for an application form

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 her 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's 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 centres 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 which you can view HERE.