22 November 2025 - 12 April 2026
Schoolhill, Aberdeen AB10 1FQ
Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museum's website
Gray's School of Art: 140 Years
Never make a head bigger than a melon
22 November 2025 - 12 April 2026
 
140 years of artist-led education at Gray’s School of Art is being celebrated in a major exhibition at Aberdeen Art Gallery. Discover works by over 50 artists, are all of whom have studied or worked at Gray’s, and including three Past Presidents of the RSA and 20 Academicians.

The exhibition focuses on the art school environment: on what artists teach, how ideas are passed from generation to generation, and how studio culture continues to evolve. Painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, film, video, photography, ceramics and textiles are all on display. There are works by important artist-educators such as James Cowie RSA, Robert Henderson Blyth RSA, Sylvia Wishart RSA, Frances Walker RSA, Joyce Cairns RSA, Fred Stiven ARSA and Ainslie Yule, alongside contributions that correspond with these works by current staff and alumni including David Blyth, Andrew Cranston RSA (Elect), Callum Innes RSA and Tako Taal. Artworks and archival material are drawn from the collections of Aberdeen Archives Gallery & Museums, RGU Art & Heritage Collections, the Royal Scottish Academy and from private lenders.

Curated by Dr Judith Winter and Sally Reaper, Gray’s School of Art.
 
 
Aberdeen Art Gallery - Celebrating Together on the Bloomberg Connects app
Download the free digital guide to Aberdeen Art Gallery on the Bloomberg Connects app and discover works on display by some 40 members of the Royal Scottish Academy.
 
Aberdeen Art Gallery is home to one of the finest collections in the country. For Celebrating Together we’re highlighting works on display by Academicians in a special tour on the Bloomberg Connects digital guide to the Art Gallery. Artists include Joan Eardley RSA, Alison Watt RSA, Frances Walker RSA, James Cowie RSA, Samuel John Peploe RSA, Sir James Guthrie RSA, Callum Innes RSA, Sir John Lavery RSA and Joyce Cairns RSA. Download the free app at bloombergconnects.org
 
 
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Banner image: Aberdeen Art Gallery exterior ©Aberdeen Art Gallery (Aberdeen City Council)

 
 
  • About Aberdeen Art Gallery

    About Aberdeen Art Gallery

    Aberdeen Art Gallery - part of Aberdeen City Council - is home to one of the finest collections in the country, with a particular strength in collecting contemporary art. The collection is recognised as being of National Significance. It has grown over centuries, and has been shared with the public since 1885, first through the Art Gallery, then the wider service at Aberdeen City & Aberdeenshire Archives, Maritime Museum, Treasure Hub, Provost Skene’s House and Tolbooth Museum. Our purpose is to share the city’s collection in engaging ways. Our vision is to be a place for people to explore Aberdeen’s identity and culture, and its connections to the world.