Message from the Skies: Stef Smith's Love Letters to Europe

In 2019, Message from the Skies projected Letters of Love to Europe, celebrating Scotland's deep connection with the continent. This collaborative effort fused the words of six esteemed writers with the creative prowess of Scotland's top designers and musicians, all brought to life through animation and innovative projection mapping techniques across Edinburgh's landmarks.

Hidden within the labyrinth of Edinburgh’s ancient old town streets, was our collaboration with writer Stef Smith and artist Eleanor Meredith. We worked closely with Eleanor Meredith, animating her delicate watercolour paintings and typography. The film was projection mapped onto a huge time-worn door and archway, layering this beautifully melancholy artwork into the atmospheric architectural surroundings of historic Edinburgh. 

Message from the Skies, a production of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay in collaboration with the Edinburgh International Book Festival and Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature, epitomised the harmonious blend of art, culture and innovation.

An emotional poetic letter to Europe

Stef Smith’s letter charts the decline of a relationship, an emotional narrative where celebration and excess collide. Love Letters to Europe was an installation by Message from the Skies conceived as part of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay festival. The words of six writers were brought to life with visuals and sound across the Scottish capital city.

Credits

Client
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay
Underbelly

Writter
Stef Smith

Illustrator
Eleanor Meredith

Video Production
Bright Side Studios