A trip out to Edinburgh’s waterfront presents a Fringe experience of a different kind. In Granton, The Pitt – a spacious, converted warehouse turned vibrant cultural hub – plays host to Brick Journeys. This isn’t theatre or comedy, but a stunning gallery of LEGO art by professional brick artist Warren Elsmore.
Celebrating the history of human transport, the exhibition asks a pertinent Fringe question: is it worth venturing away from the city centre for?
A Journey to Granton
The Pitt’s location is both its biggest challenge and its greatest strength. For tourists trying to cram in shows around the Royal Mile, a trip to Granton might seem like a trek. It requires a conscious decision to leave the chaotic heart of the festival behind.
However, for locals or anyone gasping for air amidst the August crowds, this is its core appeal. Brick Journeys offers a welcome escape from the crush. The Pitt itself is a destination, a new multi-use space that hosts street food markets, concerts and events. A word to the wise: check the venue’s schedule. A visit that coincides with the award-winning street food market will be a different experience to a quiet Thursday morning.
This is the sort of expansion the Fringe needs, spreading its creative energy into areas like Granton and Leith. For Edinburgh residents looking for a family-friendly activity that avoids the city-centre madness, placing this exhibition on your radar is a must. The excellent family ticket price makes the decision even easier.
A plus is the inclusion of a family ticket, which takes the cost down from £8 to £5, but must be booked in batches of four. That means if two adults and two kids get to Granton, the access will cost £20 rather than £32.
Art in the Medium of the Brick
Make no mistake, this is art. Warren Elsmore is a full-time professional LEGO builder, and his work is a masterclass in miniature engineering. The sheer skill and patience on display are breathtaking. These aren’t kits; they are bespoke, complex creations designed with 3D engineering software and assembled by hand. However, this also means that kids outside the goldenlocks age zone of being impressed by “lots of LEGO” might not appreciate the build.
The larger models are the instant hits. An entire airport, complete with runway, sits alongside mighty rockets and fantastically detailed trains. The joy is in getting respectfully close (no touching!) and appreciating the craftsmanship. Peering into a tiny cable car to see the minifig passengers inside confirms the wonderful attention to scale.
It feels like a visit to the National Museum of Scotland. The smaller, scientific models of satellites are displayed with educational plaques detailing their launch dates and purpose. It’s this blend of history, science, and pure, unadulterated fun that elevates the exhibition. For younger visitors, a pop-up ‘Play Pitt’ also allows them to get creative with their own brick-based builds.
Is it worth £20 (or a solo £8)? I thought so, but it’s a 30-minute walk for me.
Overall
Brick Journeys is a success. It might not be for the tourist determined to see as much comedy as humanly possible, but for everyone else, it’s a refreshing, inspiring and fascinating outing. For LEGO fans of any age, it’s an absolute slam dunk. This is a new venue and exhibition combo that proves the best of the Fringe can be found far from the beaten path.
Review: Brick Journeys
Summary
An impressive exhibition of LEGO artistry that is well worth the trip to Granton. While perhaps not for tourists on a tight schedule, it’s a fantastic, family-friendly escape from the city centre crowds, a “slam dunk for LEGO fans” and a decision for everyone else.
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