Auld Reekie*

The exhibition entitled 'You Are Here' implies maps of Countries, places, and oceans as cartographers through the ages were able to determine. This one is a little different.

Measurements were taken in Edinburgh, on 'one breezy day in 2011', of a variety of smells; their origin and dispersal over the city were plotted as the smells were distributed over the town by the prevailing wind. Samples were taken from nine diverse origins, including seaside, breweries, penguins at the zoo, cherry blossom - and primary school boys' toilets. Those with local knowledge would be able to decipher which part of town each sample was obtained, but the effect of the castle hill and Arthur's Seat on wind direction is obvious - and quite surprising.

To assist legibility of the legend I have adjusted the contrast, with the result that the coloured lines and spots are darker than the original, I hope you can read enough to admire the experiment.

* For those unfamiliar with Edinburgh,,Auld Reekie is a nickname for the city and refers to the smoky atmosphere coupled with the stench of human waste, before sewers were installed.