Perth Art Gallery’s contribution to the RSA’s 200th-anniversary celebrations is an exhibition called ‘The Scottish Colourists Revealed’, comprising paintings by four of the most important Scottish artists of the 20th century: Francis Campbell Boileau Cadell RSA, John Duncan Fergusson, George Leslie Hunter, and Samuel John Peploe RSA.
The exhibition is designed in themes rather than by individual artists—for example, a section on Scottish islands, where one of my favourites is hanging. I think this deliberate styling really works, as the visitor can compare and contrast the approaches of each of the artists to similar themes.
Many of the works are on loan from across Scotland, and some have either rarely or never been shown in public before. The exhibition pays tribute to Perth’s economic history, as several of the loans are from companies which were founded in Perth itself. Sadly, so much art is kept behind closed doors or—even worse—in vaults, so it is good to see the ambition of the Gallery and the generosity of the lenders.
The Scottish Colourists: Bold Strokes and Changing Fashions
So, the Scottish Colourists. As is often the way, the artists themselves did not coin the term, and indeed they didn’t really work together, only exhibiting together three times whilst they were all still alive. But they certainly brought colour to their canvases, as well as bold, obvious brushstrokes, which were quite alien at the time.
One of the things that struck me—especially having seen several costume exhibitions in Edinburgh and Dundee in the last couple of weeks—is how much fashion changed in the 20th century. It is really quite remarkable. From crinolines to mini-skirts in just a few decades. It’s often said that ‘fashion follows art’, and this exhibition seems a very obvious demonstration of that. It’s not all about fashion—no, not at all—but the change in the way these artists saw and described the world in their artwork was very different from their 19th-century predecessors.
Don’t be afraid of this art; it’s very accessible, and there’s very little not to like about it. Our eyes are unlikely to be offended by bold strokes and bright colours nowadays, and there is so much that is modern about them that they are generally very easy on the eye; indeed, they are often very beautiful.
More Than Just Paintings at Perth Art Gallery
There is also a film running on a loop in which artist Lachlan Goudie discusses the Scottish Colourists’ work. It’s amusing and interesting and not at all stuffy and academic. You might be surprised at his choice of work at the very end of the short film. Go take a look.
Don’t be afraid of this art; it’s very accessible, and there’s very little not to like about it.
And while you’re there, look out for the unicorn—not that you’ll be able to avoid it—and the permanent exhibitions which are in other rooms in the gallery. Bring the kids too; there’s a great play area for them. And a cafe too.
Oh, and do check out the toilets. There’s even more art there! Well, it is an art gallery. Really, what’s not to like? I loved it.
Featured Image: Perth Art Gallery – The Scottish Colourists Revealed will open at Perth Art Gallery. Francis Campbell Boileau Cadell (1883–1937), Jack and Tommy Twenty Drawings. On loan from RSA
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