Francis Campbell Boileau Cadell

Francis Campbell Boileau Cadell was a celebrated artist of the early twentieth century. One of four artists known as the Scottish colourists, Cadell was especially known for his striking still-lifes, elegant depictions of Edinburgh interiors and the landscapes he painted on Iona.

At the age of 16, Cadell went to study in Paris, where he was hugely influenced by the way in which painters such as Henri Matisse used colour in their paintings. Here he met fellow Scottish artist, Samuel Peploe, who became a close friend and significant artistic influence.

Before the First World War, Cadell painted glamorous interior scenes from his large studio on George Street, Edinburgh. With thick paint and soft pastel colours, Cadell painted with speed and energy, evoking a sense of light and movement even in still, interior scenes.

After the war, Cadell relocated his studio to Ainslie Place and then later to Regent Terrace. His studio at 6 Ainslie Place was magnificent – splendidly decorated and spread over four floors. In the 1920s, Cadell was at the forefront of Scottish Art Deco and his paintings became flatter and more geometric, characterised at first by rich, saturated colours before becoming increasingly subdued.

The 1930s were a difficult time for Cadell as he struggled to sell his work and his health began to deteriorate until his death in 1937. From 1912, Cadell travelled nearly every year to Iona, often with Peploe, and his light and airy depictions of the landscape have proved enduringly popular.