This time capsule was designed by Jon Slight, Woodwork Manager and the team at the Grassmarket Community Project. It is built of elm wood preserved from the only tree that had to be taken down as part of the renovation works which resulted in the Old Royal Infirmary becoming the Edinburgh Futures Institute in 2024. The shape of the capsule is inspired by the gatehouse which formerly welcomed visitors at the main entrance of the hospital, and cabinets of curiosity which could be opened to reveal treasures within.
The concept of an Edinburgh Futures Institute time capsule was part of early conversations about the redevelopment of the site between Lesley McAra, first Director of Edinburgh Futures Institute and Patricia Erskine, Head of Culture and Community, Edinburgh Futures Institute. There was hope that the capsule could be different from a more typical metal, buried capsule which no one could see or access. Instead, the idea arose to create a time capsule that could be admired and contributed to over time and become a container for sharing questions and dreams from the present with colleagues in the future.
This time capsule will remain locked apart from the occasional event during which new pieces of history will be added to the capsule, and intermittent checks to ensure that the contents are persevered in an archival state. The aim is for the capsule to be opened by colleagues in the distant future and in the meantime, we will showcase the contents and story of the capsule on our website for all to enjoy.
