A double bill comprising a film evoking Finlay’s first poetic developments as an “avant-gardener” and a live performance of the spoken word and sound by acclaimed Dada interpreter and pianist, Florian Kaplick. The event also includes a glass of bubbly and comfort breaks throughout the evening. The Boat in the Writing Room (film) and Finlay – Jandl – Satie (performance). Image Credit: by kind permission of the Estate of Ian Hamilton Finlay Supported by BTO, sponsor of the 2026 PhotoDalkeith programme. The film The Boat in the Writing Room (2025) explores a crucial but largely forgotten phase of Finlay’s early career, retracing the origins of Stonypath, Little Sparta in his year in the Eastern Highlands (1965/66), while a live performance by acclaimed Dada interpreter and pianist Florian Kaplick weaves connections between Finlay, Austrian poet Ernst Jandl, and the music of Erik Satie. Together, they form an immersive exploration of Finlay’s creative relationships across art, poetry and music. The Boat in the Writing Room – Written and presented by Alistair Peebles. Directed by Michael Lloyd: flytingfilms & Brae Editions, 2025.

Description supplied by the event organiser.