Issue 15
In Issue 15, we mark art-scot's partnership with the RSA in their 200th anniversary celebration, with Rosie Shackleton talking about origins and durability with Sandy Wood, The Academy’s Head of Collections. The sculptor, Ann Henderson, was an important RSA member in the late 60s and early 70s, an influential educator, and as Anne Emerson found, an enthusiastic breeder of Highland ponies. Henry Raeburn, a giant of Scottish art, died in 1823, three years before the RSA was formed. His painting of Robert Burns, lost for over 200 years and only recently discovered, is the subject of an absorbing in-depth review by Douglas Erskine. Robert De Mey brings Glasgow-based artists Le Liu and Sharon Thomas into focus with a fascinating interview about their recent collaborative work. And Roger Spence explores the evolution of the extraordinarily gifted Alexander Allan's art - from meticulous to marvellous.
Allan was the finest draughtsman of his day, and produced thrilling meticulous drawings in his early years. Then he set that skill aside and commenced a new practice, exploring rhythms and harmonies in colour and pattern. Roger Spence investigates.
Henderson, originally from Caithness, was associated with Edinburgh College of Art Sculpture Department as a student and teacher from 1940 until her death in 1976. Her sculptures are found throughout Scotland, from the Borders to the far north. Anne Emerson reviews her life and offers fascinating insights from her students and family.
Douglas Erskine had a special preview of the 'once in a generation' discovery of a great lost artwork. Now he's spent time examining Henry Raeburn's Portrait of Robert Burns as it sits alongside the famous Nasmyth portrait in the National Gallery. His essay offers a must-read description of collecting determination and a detailed analysis of Raeburn's achievement.
The Glasgow-based artists, Le Liu and Sharon Thomas, talk to Robert De Mey with enthusiasm and great interest about that fascinating painting phenomenon: collaboration. They look back on the experience of their joint exhibition, The Garden Of Eden, that took place at the Saltmarket, Glasgow, one of the highlioghts of 2024.
Rosie Shackleton popped in to the RSA to talk to their Head of Collections, Sandy Wood, about Origin Stories, the exhibition he's curated to open the year of celebration of the 200th anniversary of the RSA. They talk about webs of connectivity; learning and growing; and distinct affinities between artists and their work.