20 June – 14 November 2026

Elizabeth Blackadder: A Life in Colour

Marking five years since the death of Elizabeth Blackadder RSA, this exhibition looks at her enduring fascination with colour across a wide range of work. Drawing on pieces from the Royal Scottish Academy alongside textiles made by Dovecot Studios, it showcases paintings and drawings alongside with tapestries and rugs, revealing shared approaches to colour, texture, and composition.

A central focus is Blackadder’s long collaboration with Dovecot Studios, which spanned more than fifty years and produced over 30 tapestries and hand-tufted rugs. On display for the first time is a newly made rug, The Red Bouquet, based on her 1975 painting. Its bold colour and shifting composition show how her work translates beautifully into textile form.

Known for her still lifes, botanical studies, and printmaking, Blackadder quietly challenged conventions of space and arrangement. This exhibition highlights how colour runs through all aspects of her practice, acting as a consistent thread across different materials and methods.

Works in the exhibition are available to purchase.