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  • Throughout 2026 An exhibition of work by RSA Academicians from our permanent collection 2026 marks not only the 200th Anniversary...

    Watt Institution - The Colourists, installation view. Image courtesy of the Watt Institution

    Throughout 2026

    An exhibition of work by RSA Academicians from our permanent collection

     

    2026 marks not only the 200th Anniversary of the Royal Scottish Academy but also the 150th Anniversary of the Mclean Museum & Art Gallery, part of the Watt Institution.


    From the outset, Fine Art was a key component of the venues acquisition policy and over the years the work of many Academicians has found its way into our collection. In 2026, we will exhibit a selected show of work from past and current Academicians within our Art Gallery.


    Alongside this, a second selected exhibition within the Watt Hall will showcase works from our Caird Collection. The Cairds were early museum benefactors who not just donated their art collections to the museum but also provided the resources to allow the museum to develop its collection further during the twentieth century. Many Academicians work is also reflected within this collection.


    These exhibitions will be accompanied by a range of activities throughout the year.

  • About the Watt Institution

    The Watt Institution, interior

    About the Watt Institution

    The Watt Institution consists of the Mclean Museum & Gallery, Watt Library and Inverclyde Archives. Named after the world renowned inventor James Watt the Grade A site in Greenock's west end is a classic 'Cabinet of Curiosities' holding collections covering 400 million years of history from all corners of the world.

     

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