‘Private Landscapes’, an exhibition featuring a selection of artworks by 19th century Scottish artist George Wilson, is opening today (Thursday 1 May) at Duff House.
George Wilson (1848–1890) was one of the most distinctive and talented Scottish watercolourists of his generation, but even in his lifetime his name was little known.
Born at Tochieneal, near Cullen in Banffshire, Wilson was educated in Aberdeen and attended the University of Edinburgh before moving to London in 1868 to study art at the Royal Academy and the Slade School of Fine Art. There he formed a friendship with the portrait painter J. B. Yeats and joined ‘The Brotherhood’, an informal artistic group influenced by the work of William Blake.
Wilson was an accomplished draughtsman and was interested in the patterns produced in nature by foliage. He travelled constantly, painting on trips abroad to Italy, France and Algeria, and on his regular visits to see his family in Aberdeenshire. Wilson’s landscape watercolours convey his intense love of nature and a sense of the mystery and beauty of the world around us.
Modest and self-critical by nature, George Wilson rarely exhibited or promoted his art and most of his work remained with his family after his tragically early death aged 41. Brilliantly coloured and meticulously painted, the artworks in this exhibition demonstrate Wilson’s ability to find beauty in every quiet corner of the landscape.
All but one of the watercolours on show were bequeathed to the National Galleries of Scotland in 2018 by the artist’s great-great-nephew Alan Victor (1942-2018). The gift comprised of 18 watercolours, 2 sketchbooks, and supporting archive material, which form the centrepiece of this exhibition. They have recently undergone conservation and the exhibition will provide visitors with a fascinating insight into this work and new research carried out by the National Galleries of Scotland’s Paper Conservation team.
Graeme Curran, Collections Manager for Duff House at Historic Environment Scotland, said:
“We’re really excited to open the doors to ‘Private Landscapes’, a beautiful exhibition of artworks by Scottish artist George Wilson. It’s always a joy to welcome pieces on loan from the National Galleries of Scotland into Duff House, but this exhibition feels uniquely special as we’re putting on display the works of a local homegrown talent. Visitors to the exhibition may even spot some familiar Banffshire sights in a couple of paintings!”
'Private Landscapes’ will be on open to view at Duff House on selected dates from Thursday 1 May to Sunday 24 August 2025. The artworks are the latest in a series of paintings to be loaned from the collection of the National Galleries of Scotland. Entry to view the exhibition is included with admission to Duff House. Booking in advance is recommended to guarantee entry.
An exhibition only ticket is available for £4.50, this is an on-site only option.
About the National Galleries of Scotland
We are the National Galleries of Scotland and our three Edinburgh galleries are the National, Modern and Portrait. We house and look after Scotland’s amazing world-class art collection. Step inside and explore treasures from Vermeer, Botticelli and Titian to the very best modern art to contemporary portraits of pop culture icons. And, as you’d expect, the world’s greatest collection of Scottish art. We’re a space for thinking, dreaming, doing and playing. Soak up the art. Meet friends in the cafés. Have a family picnic surrounded by the sculptures in the Modern grounds. Be inspired by our amazing art films. Choose your own experience. There is no one way to enjoy Scotland’s national collection. We are yours to discover.
About Duff House
Duff House is a triumph of baroque architecture and one of the most important buildings in the north of Scotland. It was designed in 1735 by the renowned Scottish architect William Adam and is now a five-star visitor attraction, run in partnership by Historic Environment Scotland, the National Galleries of Scotland and Aberdeenshire Council.
About Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
- We are the lead body for Scotland’s historic environment, a charity dedicated to the advancement of heritage, culture, education and environmental protection. It is at the forefront of researching and understanding the historic environment and addressing the impacts of climate change on its future, investigating and recording architectural and archaeological sites and landscapes across Scotland and caring for more than 300 properties of national importance. We are also the lead on delivering Scotland's strategy for the historic environment, Our Past, Our Future.
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For further information, please contact:
Laura Ely
Historic Environment Scotland Media Office
07881 512 379
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