Tag: art

National Galleries of Scotland prepares for a sensational year of art for everyone in 2025

  • Be immersed in Andy Goldsworthy: Fifty Years  
  • Travel back in time to The World of King James VI and I  
  • Celebrate 250 years of JMW Turner in Turner in January: The Vaughan Bequest from the National Gallery of Ireland  
  • Take to the skies with Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer  
  • Discover magnificent works from ARTIST ROOMS  
  • Mark the centenary of Scottish artist Ian Hamilton Finlay  
  • Explore the imaginative creations of young people in Your Art World  

National Galleries of Scotland announces an unmissable programme of free and ticketed exhibitions set to take over the National, Portrait and Modern galleries in Edinburgh throughout 2025.

From striking installations in Andy Goldsworthy: Fifty Years to time travelling into The World of King James VI and I, taking to the skies with Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer, a celebration of 250 years of JMW Turner with Turner in January: The Vaughan Bequest from the National Gallery of Ireland and more.

There will be a sensational array of art to enjoy in the Scottish capital next year. Ticketed exhibitions can be booked online now What’s on | National Galleries of Scotland 

From 26 July until 2 November 2025, immerse yourself in a major large-scale exhibition by Andy Goldsworthy. Andy Goldsworthy: Fifty Years will take over the upper and lower galleries in the Royal Scottish Academy building for the summer.

Based in Scotland, Goldsworthy (born 1956) is internationally famous for his extraordinary work with natural materials.

The exhibition will span five decades of creation with over 200 works including photographs, sculptures, and expansive new installations. Goldsworthy will also create several major new works onsite at the Royal Scottish Academy building especially for Andy Goldsworthy: Fifty Years.

This spectacular summer exhibition is sure to be one of the most talked-about of the year – and it is showing only in Edinburgh.  

Next spring at the Portrait, travel back in time and be immersed in The World of King James VI and I. Son of Mary, Queen of Scots, successor to Elizabeth I and the first monarch to rule over Scotland, England and Ireland, get to know King James (1566 – 1625) and step into the world in which he lived, ruled and changed forever.

Marking the 400-year anniversary of King James’s death, this exhibition will chart his remarkable reign through stories of friendship, family, feuds and ambition.

Drawing on themes with contemporary relevance, including national identity, queer history, belief and spirituality, The World of King James VI and I will be an enriching journey through the complex life of a King who changed the shape of the United Kingdom.

Over 100 objects will be on display, including ornate paintings, dazzling jewels, lavish designs and important loans from galleries across the UK, celebrating craft and visual art from the 16th and 17th centuries.

From 26 April – 14 September 2025 come and be fully immersed in the sights, sounds (and even smells) of the period, connecting the people of the past with the people of today. Tickets are on sale now.  

In 2025 the National Galleries of Scotland will commemorate the 250th birthday of beloved British artist JMW Turner (1775 – 1851) with a once in a lifetime, free exhibition. For the first time, visitors will be able to marvel at over 30 Turner watercolours from Dublin.

Turner in January: The Vaughan Bequest from the National Gallery of Ireland at the Royal Scottish Academy building will be one-off special take on the keenly awaited and much-loved annual tradition.

Spanning the breadth of Turner’s career, visitors can roam through sweeping seascapes, dramatic landscapes and spectacular cities, many displayed in their original frames.

As part of this special partnership, the Turner works from the Scottish national collection will go on display at the National Gallery of Ireland allowing visitors in both Scotland and Ireland to connect with works from the Henry Vaughan Bequest they don’t often get to see.  

There will be two new and exciting exhibitions making their way to the Modern in 2025. From next summer you can explore your collection at Modern One with a series of new displays showcasing magnificent and diverse works of 20th and 21st century art belonging to the people of Scotland.

Your World celebration day at the National Galleries.

This includes an opportunity to see compelling works from your ARTIST ROOMS collection, cared for jointly by the National Galleries of Scotland and Tate.  Explore this exhibition of the nation’s superb contemporary and modern collection from 12 July 2025.  

The centenary of revered Scottish artist Ian Hamilton Finlay (1925 – 2006) will also be marked in a new free display of his work at Modern Two from 8 March to 26 May 2025.

A visionary in his craft, Ian Hamilton Finlay harnessed the power of collaboration throughout his career, drawing on the expertise of fellow makers and creators to bring his artistic visions to life.

Hailed as a poet, sculptor, printmaker, gardener and provocateur, his practice covered a wide range of media, reflected in this display through over 30 sculptures, installations and prints as well as extensive archival materials, all from Scotland’s national collection.  

Moving into the autumn at the Portrait, take to the skies and see the world from above the clouds through the remarkable work of Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer. 

A trailblazer in his field, Buckham (1879 – 1956) soared above the realms of what was thought to be possible in 20th century photography and aviation.

From 18 October 2025 – 19 April 2026, meet the man behind some of the most iconic aerial photographs, marvel at the death-defying lengths he took to capture the perfect image and explore how his innovative techniques paved the way for modern technologies such as Photoshop and AI.  

Explore the imaginative Your Art World exhibition at the National, showcasing the inspirational new works of young artists from all over Scotland aged 3 – 18-year-olds. The exhibition is a celebration of what happens when young people are encouraged to be wildly creative.

Discover installations from school and community groups who have worked alongside the National Galleries of Scotland. Or even view the creations of the young people in your own life. With the opportunity to upload artwork online via the website, anyone aged 3-18 can see their own digital submissions on screen in the gallery. Immerse yourself in the imagination of these young artists from 10 May to 2 November 2025.  

Anne Lyden, Director-General at the National Galleries of Scotland said “We’re really excited to announce our 2025 public programme, which is packed full of fantastic exhibitions.

“Breathtaking installations at the Royal Scottish Academy, soaring above the clouds at the Portrait gallery, and modern and contemporary highlights from your national collection at the Moderns.

“Whether you want to be inspired, find a moment of calm or share a joyful experience with friends – there’s so much to discover at the National Galleries of Scotland.”  

40 years of Collective

For 40 years, Collective has offered a supportive environment for artists to test out new ideas, produce new work and share their work with audiences. 

Founded as an artist-run space in 1984, over the course of four decades we have become an integral part of Scotland’s creative ecosystem.

Collective is now recognised nationally and internationally for the quality of our programmes, especially with emergent practitioners based in Scotland.
 
As we celebrate 40 years, we need your support to continue enabling ground-breaking artists to realise and share their ideas. 
 
Support our work with artists. Please donate today. 

Opening Hours

Wednesday – Sunday, 10am-5pm

The Lookout opening hours are available on their website. 

Find Us

Collective
City Observatory
38 Calton Hill
Edinburgh
EH7 5AA

+44 (0)131 556 1264
mail@collective-edinburgh.art

Abbeymount Spring Open Studios Weekend

Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd June

  • Exciting FREE open studios event returns to Out of the Blue Abbeymount Studios
  • Featuring over 30 artists exhibiting fine art, illustrations, photography, ceramics, mosaics and fashion
  • Meet the makers, watch demonstrations and get the chance to win an original piece of art in a free raffle

Out of the Blue Abbeymount Studios are delighted to be opening their doors to the public again this next month for another exciting Open Studios weekend (their first  of the year) on Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd June from 12noon – 5pm. This exhibition will be first in the line-up of events to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Out of the Blue.

Come along to see their creative spaces, meet the makers and browse a wide range of original artworks and gifts. Everything is handmade by local designers and makers here in the heart of Edinburgh.

With over 30 artists and makers taking part, there really is something for everyone, from fine art, paintings and illustration to ceramics, mosaics, textiles and photography.

There will be FREE art/craft/animation demonstrations and workshops taking place over the two days, plus a FREE raffle featuring exclusive prizes donated by Abbeymount Studios artists. 

Artists include up-and-coming wildlife painter Kirsten Mirrey whose work for the past five years has focussed on both exotic and endangered wildlife in a highly realistic style will also be taking part of the two days. She’s also just completed her first successful solo exhibition at the Watson Gallery. 

Robin Paine who exhibited at The Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour’s winter exhibition, and was twice a finalist in London’s National Portrait Gallery Portrait Award will also be taking part.  Her work is in National and International Collections and she has taught widely, with a specialty in drawing and painting from observation. 

From ceramics, Frances Priest is represented in national collections including the National Museums of Scotland Edinburgh, the Fitzwilliam Museum Cambridge, the Victoria & Albert Museum London & the McManus Galleries Dundee. She has also been awarded The Wesley Barrell Craft Award and the Arts & Business Scotland Award. Helen Miles represents the world of mosaics. Trained in Greece, Helen designs and makes mosaics for interior and exterior spaces, using a variety of materials from unglazed ceramic tiles to Venetian glass and found objects. 

Award-winning designer Judy R Clark is famed for her exquisite hand-tailored womenswear designs comprising of Harris Tweeds, Scottish lace and antique fabric. Judy was crowned Designer of Year at The Scottish Style Awards.

The poster for the Spring Open Studios Weekend was designed by resident printmaker Rosanna Reade. She mainly works with lino, and occasionally screen and risograph printing. She particularly enjoys the tools and processes of linocut, and the sculptural nature of relief printing.

Out of the Blue Abbeymount Studio Manager Bob Guilianotti says: “Out of the Blue Abbeymount biannual open studios showcases the work of all 48 resident artists in an iconic building which is an arts and crafts creative hub right in the centre of Edinburgh.” 

Out of the Blue Chief Executive Rob Hoon says: “Out of the Blue is unique and resists classification. Our buildings are not simply artists’ studios, or ‘creative hubs’. Abbeymount Studios is one of our buildings which reflect a model that has developed and been sustained over 30 years, hosting a hybrid of arts, participatory education, enterprise, creativity, and community development.” 

Details of the Spring Open Studios Weekend, as well as a list of participating artists and makers can be found on the Abbeymount Studios website.

Life Drawing course at Granton:Hub

📣 Our Life Drawing course starts next Tuesday from 6:30pm – 8:30pm!

Book your space on our 10 week course here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/life-drawing-adults-all-levels-tickets-875214378767?aff=oddtdtcreator

Course Overview:

Our Adult classes cater to individuals eager to draw from life models, providing unwavering support as you cultivate confidence in your unique artistic style. Immerse yourself in a nurturing environment where you’ll receive guidance on fundamental drawing techniques, perspective, and basic human anatomy.

Teaching Approach:

Get ready to be inspired! Each week, you’ll encounter diverse poses and fresh concepts carefully crafted to challenge and expand your artistic perspective. Our instructors will offer valuable insights to enhance your approach to drawing from life models.

What You’ll Learn:

By the end of the 10-session course, you’ll achieve the following milestones:

Gain a solid understanding of perspective and basic human anatomy, effectively applying these concepts to your life drawings.

Develop versatile skills in capturing life models through various poses and mediums.

Cultivate newfound confidence in nurturing your distinct style in life drawing.

Prepare your artwork for a group exhibition.

Required Resources and Costs:

We provide easels and drawing boards for your convenience. To begin, simply bring your preferred paper (A3 size or larger) and your choice of drawing materials. Options may include pencils, charcoal, chalk, colored pencils, or pastels.

For any question regarding the course: Art@grantonhub.org

All Levels welcome

Fee: £96.60 for 10 sessions of two hours each and your participation to a group exhibition

Capacity: 13 persons

Location: Granton:Hub, Madelvic House, Granton Park Avenue, Edinburgh, EH5 1HS, UK

Dates: Tuesdays 6:30pm – 8:30pm

16th April

23rd April

[no session on 30th April]

7th May

14th May

21st May

28th May

4th June

11th June

18th June

25th June

29-30 June Summer Drawing Exhibition / Summer Show at Granton:Hub

The National Galleries of Scotland celebrates the return of Antonio Canova’s The Three Graces

The National Galleries of Scotland celebrates the return of Antonio Canova’s The Three Graces to the National in Edinburgh, for the first time in eleven years.

Jointly owned with the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, this extraordinary marble sculpture usually rotates between the two locations every seven years however was delayed due to the opening of the new Scottish galleries at the National.

Regarded internationally as an exquisite example of neoclassical European sculpture, this is an exciting opportunity for visitors to see the work in the heart of Edinburgh for free.

The sculpture represents Euphrosyne, Aglaia and Thalia, the three daughters of Zeus and Eurynome according to Greek mythology.

The three graces are associated with Aphrodite (Venus) and embody qualities such as shared friendship or chastity, beauty and love.

New Course: Portrait Painting From a Photograph

There is a big difference between making a painting OF a photo and making a painting FROM a photo.

It is rare that artists can have the luxury of face to face painting of a person until completion and so knowing how to work from photos can be necessary, but also liberating and quite fun to decide on different backgrounds and so on. 

Come to our friendly 5 week course to learn how to avoid pitfalls of working from photo reference, and how to make your paintings stand out as works of art, based on your favourite photo.

Hopefully it will help develop your painting skills along the way. You can decide what image you like and what background you would like and any other ideas for making a personal fantastic painting. 

We will be looking at : 

  • Composing a portrait
  • The limitations of the camera
  • How to take useful reference pictures
  • Understanding what we SHOULD see and compensating using logic and knowledge
  • Theory of light on form
  • Colour mixing and creating harmony.

The course starts from 22nd February at Leith Academy from 6.30 – 8.30pm but book asap to secure your place. 

(£48.30 standard – £24.25 senior citizen/ student – £19.15 benefits) 

To book your place please go to:

https://adulteducationedinburgh.spydus.co.uk

or phone 0131 556 7978

National Galleries of  Scotland prepares to welcome in the new year with beloved annual tradition Turner in January

Turner in January  

1 January 2024 – 31 January 2024  

A National Galleries of Scotland exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy  

Admission free  

Turner in January | National Galleries of Scotland 

Opening New Year’s Day 2024, the National Galleries of Scotland celebrates the return of their keenly awaited annual display, Turner in January.  

Taking pride of place in one of the upper galleries of Edinburgh’s Royal Scottish Academy, Joseph Mallord William Turner’s watercolours from the Scottish national collection will be exhibited throughout the month of January, free for the public to enjoy. Turner in January is a beloved tradition for many people in Scotland. It signals the dawning of the New Year, and as we leave behind the darkest days of winter, the bright vitality of Turner’s work is exactly what we need.   

Scotland’s famous collection of Turner watercolours was left to the nation by the great art collector Henry Vaughan in 1900. Since then, following Vaughan’s strict guidelines, they have only ever been displayed during the month of January, when natural light levels are at their lowest. Because of this, these watercolours still possess a freshness and an intensity of colour, almost 200 years since they were originally created.   

With almost 40 watercolours on display, including dramatic landscapes from the Himalayas, the Swiss Alps, and the Isle of Skye, visitors will journey through Britain, Europe and beyond, leaving behind January blues in favor of Turner’s idyllic views of the world.

Turner in January will also include a Smartify audio highlights guide, a brand-new addition to the exhibition for 2024. Freely available on their devices, visitors can immerse themselves further into Turner’s work through this highlighted guided tour of the exhibition, giving fresh insights and expanding on what is presented on the gallery walls.  

This mesmerising exhibition captures the essence of the life and career of the 19th century London-born artist, with the works on display covering the breadth of Turner’s artistic talents. In a career spanning 50 years, Turner developed new ways of painting in watercolour and revolutionised ideas of what could be achieved in the medium.

Through a combination of exceptional talent and incredible hard work, he was able to capture in paint the sublime beauty of the natural world. Turner experimented with an array of techniques and colour, creating works which continue to captivate and excite audiences today. 

Charlotte Topsfield, Senior Curator of British Drawings and Prints at National Galleries of Scotland said: “Henry Vaughan personally selected the watercolours in the bequest to share the full range and richness of Turner’s work with the widest audience.

“From early landscape drawings to glorious colour studies, delicate literary illustrations and visionary late watercolours, Vaughan’s Turners wonderfully demonstrate the artist’s infinite creativity and technical skill.

“Putting the Turner watercolours on show is a highlight of my year and I hope that it brings everyone else as much pleasure!”

Isabella Miller, Director of Audience at the National Galleries of Scotland said: “Turner in January brings with it an uplifting start to a new year at the National Galleries of Scotland.

“It’s with great joy we witness the excitement from our returning visitors, along with the wonder this display brings to those discovering it for the very first time. Turner in January honors the legacy of Henry Vaughan’s bequest, while creating a now treasured tradition for many.

“It’s also a wonderful opportunity to marvel in the skill of our conservation and curatorial teams, who ensure the year-round care of these beloved watercolours, allowing them to be displayed and enjoyed each January.”

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: The yearly celebration of Turner’s watercolors invites us to enjoy vibrant colours, showcasing the beauty of our natural world.

“From the Swiss Alps to the Isle of Skye, the exhibition offers an uplifting escape from any January blues. I’m delighted that support from Postcode Lottery players, who have now raised over £5 million for National Galleries of Scotland, is making art and exhibitions like this free and accessible for all.”

Turner in January is open to the public from 12pm on Monday 1 January. 

Smash hit! Almost 100,000 visitors see Grayson Perry exhibition

The National Galleries of Scotland has announced that its blockbuster exhibition, Grayson Perry: Smash Hits, was visited almost 100,000 times in its four-month run. Since opening on 15 July, 95,852 visits were booked to enjoy the celebration of Sir Grayson Perry’s 40-year career at the National (Royal Scottish Academy) before it closed on Sunday 12 November. 

On show exclusively in Edinburgh, Grayson Perry: Smash Hits explored the remarkable 40-year career of contemporary cultural icon, Sir Grayson Perry.

Visitors were able to enjoy over eighty works, including richly detailed tapestries, subversive pots and elaborate plates – some of which were on public display for the first time.

Developed in close collaboration with the artist, the exhibition renounced the tradition for chronological displays. Instead, Perry’s work was presented as a journey through themes including masculinity, sexuality, class, religion, politics and identity. 

Grayson Perry: Smash Hits was the National Galleries of Scotland’s most visited exhibition in over ten years, and the fourth most visited since the reopening of the refurbished exhibition galleries in the RSA building in 2003.

Surpassing all expectations, over 10,000 people were welcomed in the first two weeks alone. The final weekend, which offered extended opening hours to allow as many people as possible to experience the exhibition, with over 2,200 visitors each day.  

Home to Scotland’s superb art collection, the National Galleries of Scotland operates three galleries in Edinburgh.

At the National visitors can discover treasures from Botticelli to Titian, as well as the world’s largest collection of works by artists from Scotland. The Portrait gallery is packed with famous faces from history and contemporary portraits of pop culture icons, while Modern showcases the very best modern art.

As well as conserving and researching the national collection, the National Galleries of Scotland is committed to reaching the widest possible audience through an active programme, including partnerships across Scotland, the UK and abroad, as well as online.  

Visitors enjoyed sharing their experience of Grayson Perry: Smash Hits with feedback captured by National Galleries Scotland throughout the duration of the exhibition. Some notable takeaways included: 

“So accessible. I loved his commentaries. It is the only exhibition I have ever been to and laughed out loud.” 

“I have never been to an exhibition where almost all of the visitors were smiling and laughing.” 

“This was the best, most thought-provoking exhibition I’ve been to in years!” 

Sir Grayson Perry said:  “It was one of the most enjoyable and proud exhibiting experiences of my career. Many thanks to the brilliant team at the National Galleries of Scotland and the people of Scotland!” 

Sir John Leighton, Director-General of the National Galleries of Scotland, said: “Welcoming almost 100,000 visitors to Grayson Perry: Smash Hits is a significant and proud moment for the National Galleries of Scotland.

“It has been a privilege from the start to work with Sir Grayson Perry in bringing this phenomenal exhibition to the people of Scotland. The response from our visitors, through their verbal and written feedback, photos they’ve shared and online engagement, has been incredible to witness.

“My congratulations and thanks to Sir Grayson – it has been smashing!’ 

To find out more about upcoming exhibitions, displays and events at the National Galleries of Scotland, visit What’s on | National Galleries of Scotland. 

Edinburgh Art Festival in North Edinburgh

At Collective, on Calton Hill, and coinciding with their EAF performance, Tarek Lakhrissi presents I wear my wounds on my tongue (II), exploring desire, language and queerness.

Inspired by the work of the late poet, essayist and performance artist Justin Chin, the installation features newly commissioned sculptures and sound work. Also at Collective, Rabindranath X Bhose’s installation work, DANCE IN THE SACRED DOMAIN, is a bog made up of sculpture, poetry, performance and drawing, emerging from time spent meditating on bogland in Scotland.

Further into Leith, at Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop, a new presentation, tense, by Glasgow based Adam Lewis Jacob will be displayed alongside A New Face in Hell, in which Sebastian Thomas draws inspiration from the mythological fable of the Golem, a being constructed of inanimate material that often ends up becoming uncontrollable.

Travelling Gallery, a contemporary art gallery in a bus, presents a new exhibition by Gabecare, a collaborative art project between Rachel Adams and Tessa Lynch investigating the domestic mess of 21st century living, which will travel across the city for the duration of the festival.

Sierra Metro presents an exhibition of new work by award winning Australia-based artist, illustrator and animator, Haein Kim. For Kim’s first solo show PAIN2POWER the artist presents a series of prints exploring the modern woman’s psyche, materialism and puppies for a show that captures her unique use of colour, humour and honesty.

Initiated by The Common Guild, Edinburgh Art Festival will co-present an illuminated artwork by Rabiya Choudhry at Leith Library.

The design is based on a painting by Choudhry, part of the artist’s ongoing project Lost Lighting – a series of lighting artworks for public places intended to ‘act like a vigil in the dark’ Taking shape as illuminated signs, they repurpose Andrew Carnegie’s flaming torch motif; a feature found on many Carnegie library buildings

In Choudhry’s work, the torch is encircled with the words of African-American civil rights activist Ella Baker (1903–1986) who worked to instigate societal change. Baker’s words ‘give light and people will find the way’, are a manifestation of power for ordinary people. The public artwork runs across the full festival dates, visible 24 hours a day.

Initiated by The Common Guild, EAF will co-present an illuminated artwork by Rabiya Choudhry at Leith Library. The design is based on a painting by Choudhry, part of the artist’s ongoing project Lost Lighting – a series of lighting artworks for public places intended to ‘act like a vigil in the dark’ Taking shape as illuminated signs, they repurpose Andrew Carnegie’s flaming torch motif; a feature found on many Carnegie library buildings In Choudhry’s work, the torch is encircled with the words of African-American civil rights activist Ella Baker (1903–1986) who worked to instigate societal change. Baker’s words ‘give light and people will find the way’, are a manifestation of power for ordinary people.

The public artwork runs across the full festival dates, visible 24 hours a day. 

BELOW: Edinburgh Art Festival – Full Programme

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Grayson Perry: Smash Hits exhibition opens this weekend at the National Galleries of Scotland

Grayson Perry: Smash Hits 

The National (Royal Scottish Academy) 

22 July – 12 November 2023  

Grayson Perry | Smash Hits | National Galleries of Scotland 

National Galleries of Scotland invites audiences to discover a contemporary cultural icon this summer, as it proudly unveils the largest ever exhibition dedicated to the work of Sir Grayson Perry.

Opening this Saturday and taking over the entire Upper Galleries of the Royal Scottish Academy, Grayson Perry: Smash Hits offers visitors a chance to embark on an exclusive retrospective journey through the celebrated artist’s remarkable 40-year career.

National Galleries of Scotland hosts the one and only opportunity to see this exhibition, granting all who pass through the doors of the Royal Scottish Academy an audience with Perry’s lifetime of creation.

This comprehensive exhibition, which encompasses more than eighty works, some of which displayed for the first time, has been developed in close collaboration with the artist and Victoria Miro gallery. Grayson Perry: Smash Hits has been kindly sponsored by the Jigsaw Foundation and Friends of National Galleries Scotland.

 Sir Grayson Perry has gone from taking evening classes in pottery to winning the Turner Prize.

He’s renowned for presenting television programmes on Channel 4, writing acclaimed books and commanding audiences far and wide during his live tours. An artist in every sense of the word, his accessible approach to art and engaging public persona has elevated Perry to the status of household name, and more recently, earned him a knighthood. 

Always keen to do the unexpected, pottery was Perry’s chosen method in which to indulge his fascination with sex, punk, and counterculture amongst other things, showcasing his interests in the most unlikely and polite of art forms.

Today, he is one of Britain’s most celebrated artists and cultural figures. Grayson Perry: Smash Hits not only includes his most famous works, but also the first pieces he made as a student in Portsmouth. Works that would ignite a passion and pave the way for an illustrious career to be born. One such treasure on display is Perry’s earliest plate, made during his first week at evening class, Kinky Sex (1983).  

Much like Perry, the exhibition doesn’t play by the rules, renouncing traditional chronological displays in favour of presenting his work as a journey; one which will lead audiences through the many themes embedded within his provocative art, including masculinity, sexuality, class, religion, politics and identity.

Expect subversive pots, intricate prints, elaborate sculptures, and huge, captivating tapestries – each imbued with Perry’s sharp wit and social commentary.  

Grayson Perry: Smash Hits brings together almost all of the artist’s meticulously detailed prints and imaginary maps along with many of his tapestries, such as the rarely shown Walthamstow Tapestry (2009) which, at a striking 15-metres in length, presents a birth-to-death journey through shopping and brand names.

There’s also an opportunity to encounter the intricate cast-iron ship, Tomb of the Unknown Craftsman (2011) which was the centrepiece of Perry’s 2011 exhibition of the same name at the British Museum. The tomb is a memorial to all the anonymous craftsmen of history.

Two rooms centre on the monumental tapestry series: Vanity of Small Differences (2012), which focus on class and are loosely based on William Hogarth’s A Rake’s Progress, as well as A House for Essex tapestries (2015), which explore the life of a fictional Essex woman Julie Cope.  

While the breadth of the exhibition offers a retrospective take on the artist’s career to date, it also looks to the future. A collection of new works, some completed within the last few months, will be displayed for the first time, including the richly detailed tapestry Sacred Tribal Artefact (2023), and a series of pots and plates, all of which explore themes of national identity.

Perry’s latest pots, such as A Plague of Diaphobia (2022) and Ye Olde English Pot (2023), are presented in the form of medieval beer flagons. Decorated with traditional slipware techniques, they reference subjects ranging from the polarising effect of internet debate to heraldic iconography.  

Finally, fans of the recent Channel 4 docuseries Grayson Perry’s Full English will come face to face with notable objects featured on the popular series.

Full English followed Perry as he travelled around the country to try and uncover what Englishness means today, inviting interviewees to select personal items which to them represented English identity.

Piqued by the opportunity to show some of these items, alongside his new works which focus on Englishness in Scotland, Perry has included several objects in the exhibition. From a pub sign to a football flag, and a teacup to a letter from the Queen, they highlight not only the individuality and significance of cultural identity, but how artistic treasure can be found in many forms.  

Sir Grayson Perry said: “I feel honoured, excited and also daunted by the thought of seeing the largest ever exhibition of my work this summer in Edinburgh.

“Honoured to be given such an opportunity in such a fine gallery, excited to share my smash hits with the Scottish audience and the festival crowds. Daunted because whenever I walk amongst a substantial show of my art the same thought floods into my head, ‘oh my god the man hours!’

“Just one of the grand rooms like those of the Royal Scottish Academy could easily hold two, three, four years of my studio life such is the density of my works. These objects contain so much for me, my hopes, my ideas, my lusts, my laughter, my pride, my love. What they contain more than anything is my time. Forty smashing years.” 

Sir John Leighton, Director-General of the National Galleries of Scotland, said: “This exhibition, the biggest Grayson Perry show ever held anywhere in the world, offers a unique opportunity for visitors to discover the scope of the artist’s practice.

“It has been forty years since Sir Grayson Perry first started making his pots and plates, and twenty years since he gained international acclaim when he won the Turner Prize; it is the ideal moment to celebrate Perry’s achievements to date.” 

Beth Butterwick, CEO of Jigsaw said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring ‘Grayson Perry: Smash Hits’ at the National Galleries of Scotland. It’s an honour to be a part of such an all-encompassing exhibition, showcasing the work of one of Britain’s most celebrated artists: Sir Grayson Perry.

“Along with an unwavering passion for the arts in Britain, and a trailblazing reputation, Jigsaw’s partnership with the National Galleries of Scotland was a natural fit. Dedicated to supporting the arts in many forms, the Jigsaw Foundation is proud to be one of the lead sponsors for the Grayson Perry: Smash Hits exhibition’. 

Discover Grayson Perry: Smash Hits at the National (Royal Scottish Academy) from 22 July until 12 November 2023. Pre booking is advised.