Firmament: Exploring the Industrial Echoes of Prestongrange.

SETT Studios will soon host Firmament, a striking new exhibition by artist Edward Cawood presented by HubCAP Gallery.

Opening at SETT Studios on Thursday, 16th October 2025 Cawood’s latest presentation draws on several years of research and creative experimentation to produce work that delves into the layered industrial history of Prestongrange — once one of Scotland’s most significant brick and tile works, and home to early coal mining operations dating back to the 12th century.

The exhibition takes its title from the Latin firmamentum, meaning “a firm object” or “celestial barrier.” This dual sense of strength and mystery resonates through Cawood’s practice, which merges meticulous, archival study with deeply material processes. His works — ranging from “textual objects” to experimental photographic pieces on tile — embody a physical and conceptual dialogue with the site’s past. Each piece is the result of labour-intensive techniques that mirror the endurance and transformation embedded in the landscape itself.

Firmament represents the culmination of Cawood’s investigations into site, value, and industrial heritage, revealing a body of work that is both contemplative and tactile. Visitors will encounter a collection of pieces that evoke the textures of history, reimagined through the lens of contemporary art. Notably, the exhibition also introduces new, never-before-seen works, offering a first glimpse into the artist’s latest explorations.

The opening event takes place on Thursday, 16th October, with two sessions: a bookable Quiet Opening from 3pm to 5.30pm, designed to provide a relaxed, accessible experience, and the Main Opening from 6pm to 8pm.

Following the launch, the exhibition will be open for public viewing on:

• 17th October: 3pm – 8pm
• 18th – 20th October: 12pm – 5pm

A special event on 19th October (2.30pm – 4pm) will feature a bookable Writing Workshop with Beth Cockerline, inviting participants to creatively respond to the themes and atmosphere of Firmament.

Through Firmament, Edward Cawood transforms the remnants of Scotland’s industrial past into meditative reflections on endurance, decay, and the stories embedded in place — bridging history, art, and material memory in one evocative exhibition.

hubCAP Gallery is an Artist Run Exhibitions and Events organisation run by a rotating committee of participants of the HND Contemporary Art Practice (CAP) course at Edinburgh College Granton Campus. ‘Frimament’ is the first off campus exhibition by hubCAP.

SETT Studios is an artist-run studio with dedicated gallery space in Leith, Edinburgh.

Further information including accessibility information is available via the hubCAP Gallery website:

https://hubcapgallery.com/2025/09/11/hubcap-presents-firmament/