10 August - 23 October 2026

Dundee and the RSA

An exhibition showcasing work by Academicians who were born in, studied in or taught in Dundee.

Over the years, more than 50 Dundee artists and architects have been elected to the Royal Scottish Academy, going right back to its founding in 1826. This exhibition aims to showcase work by every Dundee RSA, including John Duncan RSA, David Foggie RSA, McIntosh Patrick RSA, Alberto Morrocco RSA and leading contemporary artists such as Will Maclean RSA, Calum Colvin RSA, Frances Pelly RSA, Arthur Watson PPRSA and Gareth Fisher PRSA.

Dundee and the Royal Scottish Academy walking tour

Lamb Gallery, Dundee

2-4.30pm, 12 August 2026 

DJCAD and the RSA

A tour of DJCAD showcasing 200 years of RSA connections 

11 am -12.30pm, 29 August 2026

Please join us on an RSA-themed tour of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design (DJCAD) coinciding with the penultimate day of our Masters Show.  The tour will conclude with a walk to Dundee and the RSA exhibition in the Lamb Gallery, Tower Building, Nethergate.  

You will gain an insight into DJCAD’s history and how it has supported and shaped notable academicians like Alberto Morrocco RSA , David McClure RSA , Dennis Buchan RSA, Jack Knox RSA and Peter Collins RSA, amoungst others over the years and vice versa. 

It will feature the Matthew and Crawford Buildings, where countless artistic careers began, and will explore both buildings’ history, design, and current role, offering insight into the spaces that continue to inspire creativity.

The Crawford Building, home to the award-winning Cooper Gallery, was built between 1953 and 1964. It features striking wrought iron details, terrazzo flooring and panoramic views over the city and river. Its studios and workshops remain central to DJCAD’s artistic life.

The Grade II listed Matthew Building, a noted example of Scottish brutalism, opened in 1975. Its exposed concrete, bold modular form and expressive structure make it a defining part of Dundee’s skyline.

Supported by its unique facilities, talented team and all those who study here, DJCAD continues to evolve—a creative powerhouse producing exceptional talent and shaping the future of art and design in Scotland and beyond.

Free 

Book here

David McClure RSA - A Centenary Celebration

Tower Building, University of Dundee

5.30-6.30pm, 8 September 2026

An informal evening of short talks and reminiscences to celebrate 100 years since the birth of artist and teacher David McClure.

Born in Lochwinnoch in 1926, David McClure studied at Edinburgh College of Art and came to Dundee in 1958 to teach Drawing & Painting at the Art College. He became a popular and influential tutor as well as a highly renowned painter, described as "one of the outstanding Scottish painters of the post-war generation".

For this special event we will take an informal look back at his life and work.

• University of Dundee museum curator Matthew Jarron will set the scene by describing McClure's time at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art.
• Kirsty Matheson (Art Curator at The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery and Museum) will discuss the McClure paintings held in the city's collection.
• David's daughter Paola McClure will share memories of her father and show more examples of his work.

Book here

Labor Vincit – The Work and Influence of Scott Sutherland RSA

Matthew Building, DJCAD, University of Dundee

6.30-7.30pm, 9 September 2026

A talk by Matthew Jarron hosted by the Abertay Historical Society

The Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge is one of the most iconic pieces of public sculpture in Scotland, and a frequent stopping point for tourists travelling to the West Highlands. Yet its creator, Scott Sutherland RSA, remains little known despite his considerable achievements as an artist and his arguably greater influence as a teacher. As Head of Sculpture at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art in Dundee for 28 years, he had a lasting impact on the many notable sculptors who studied under him, several of whom have gone on to have international careers in public sculpture – including David Annand, Stan Bonnar, Alan Beattie Herriot, Doug Cocker RSA and Frances Pelly RSA.

Book here