Design Exhibition Scotland is delighted to be curating Earth Matters, an exhibition celebrating the tercentenary of the birth of the Edinburgh-born geologist, writer and farmer, James Hutton (1726-1797). Often described as the ‘father of modern geology’, Hutton is known for his ground-breaking theories into the earth’s creation and his exploration of rock formation. Hutton also gave much attention to the earth beneath our feet – soil. 

Earth Matters is inspired by Hutton and subsequent trailblazers who have helped challenge and change our understanding of soil. Earth Matters will explore Hutton’s writings on soil and include the rarely exhibited ‘Lost Drawings’ by his contemporary, the artist and writer John Clerk of Eldin. Through art, craft and design dating from the 18th century to the present-day, Earth Matters will illuminate the vital beauty and brilliance of earth.