New exhibition celebrates the life and legacy of Edinburgh photographer Sandra George

Edinburgh’s City Art Centre will present *Start from the Level*, the largest exhibition of Sandra George’s (1957–2013) photography, from 27 June to 27 September 2026. The show features over 20 years of her work, many publicly displayed for the first time, exploring themes of identity, activism, and social justice in Edinburgh’s communities. Born in Nottingham and raised between Jamaica and the UK, George settled in Edinburgh, where she documented everyday life and social movements from the late 1970s to the early 2000s. The exhibition draws from George’s extensive archive, held by Craigmillar Now, an arts and heritage center in Craigmillar. It includes intimate personal moments and broader social movements, reflecting her commitment to representing people with dignity. The title *Start from the Level* reflects her principle of beginning from the perspectives of the communities she photographed. In addition to the City Art Centre display, outdoor presentations of George’s work will appear on billboards and posters in Fountain Park, Teviot, and Meadowbank from 22 June for three weeks. The initiative is a partnership with BuildHollywood, bringing her images into public spaces she documented during her career. Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham called the exhibition a ‘landmark’ celebration of George’s talent and legacy. She emphasized the importance of preserving George’s work as an invaluable record of Edinburgh’s cultural and community life, ensuring her influence continues to inspire future generations. The exhibition is part of the Edinburgh Art Festival and aims to honor George’s contributions as both a photographer and community activist. More details are available on the Culture Edinburgh website.