Wasps has leased Patriothall Studios since 1984. The lease was due to expire in 2005 without the option of a renewal, threatening the loss of the building which provided studio space for over 50 artists.

At this time Edinburgh’s property market was characterised by high rents, high property prices and fierce competition for available buildings. This meant that we struggled for many years to find a replacement for Patriothall.

A breakthrough came in 2003 when the building owners agreed to sell the building to Wasps at market value. We then set out to raise £1.3million to buy and refurbish the building within in a very short timescale.

In response the tenants led an amazing campaign to ‘Save the Studios’, lobbying local politicians and gaining support from the local community. This led to Edinburgh City Council granting us £500,000 which helped us to secure additional partnership funding from the Scottish Arts Council, Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian and loan finance.

Patriothall was purchased and refurbished in 2004 securing the future of these fantastic studios.

Patriothall Gallery

Patriothall houses a gallery space which is run by a voluntary group of artists who are based within the building. For more infomation about exhibitons and events coming up at Patriothall Gallery please check the gallery's website.