TRIBUTES have been paid to “legendary internationalist” and “serial entrepreneur” Jim Haynes, one of the most important figures in the evolution of Edinburgh Festivals.
He was the co-founder of Traverse Theatre and responsible for events in the 60s that helped shape the capital as one of the most culturally significant cities in the world.
Louisiana-born Haynes arrived in Scotland in the 50s while serving in the US Air Force, opening the UK’s first Paperback Bookshop in George Square in Edinburgh in 1959, shortly after being demobbed.
He helped organise the 1962 international writers’ conference, where 70 of the world’s most celebrated writers came to Scotland to discuss the world of literature.
Writers including Norman Mailer, William Burroughs, Hugh MacDiarmid, Arthur Miller, Muriel Spark and Alexander Trocchi spent one week discussing a different literary theme each day.
In 1963, he founded the then Traverse Theatre Club with John Calder, Kenneth Tynan and Richard Demarco. Initially based in an abandoned brothel in Edinburgh’s Lawnmarket, it focused on new writing. Haynes staged 31 world premieres in its first two years.
READ MORE: Family appeals for memories of Scottish artist as centenary approaches
Linda Crooks, executive producer of the Traverse, paid tribute: “We’re heartbroken to hear of the passing of the legendary internationalist, serial entrepreneur and one of our founding spirits. Jim Haynes was truly a ‘one-off’.
“We’re honoured to be a custodian of Jim’s legacy and his pioneering spirit which lives on through our work, and in our commitment to creating opportunities for boundary-breaking new artistic voices.
“Jim’s ambition and artistic vision, significantly helped shape Edinburgh’s outward-looking, contemporary cultural landscape, bringing a ‘Festival City’ to the world and the world to Edinburgh.”
Playwright David Greig said: “So very sad to hear of the passing of Jim Haynes who shaped Scottish theatre culture, Edinburgh culture and frankly created a global culture of mischief, invention, joy and connection. Jim was a gift to Scotland from America – he will be greatly missed.
Author Ian Rankin tweeted: “Ah, Jim Haynes. A true one-off and so important to Edinburgh’s culture and counter-culture. I hope wherever he is, he’s planning one of his open-house dinners ...”
In 1966 Haynes moved to London where he co-founded the International Times alternative newspaper. The following year he set up the Drury Lane Arts Lab, which hosted familiar faces such as David Bowie, John Lennon and Yoko Ono and spawned a new generation of artists, filmmakers, writers and directors.
He’d been living in Paris since 1969, where he held open dinners every Sunday. An estimated 130,000 people joined in.
He returned to Edinburgh, for the festival just about every year.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel