Associate Director Alice Strang will be talking about her new National Galleries of Scotland book, The Scottish Colourists: Art and Life, at Lyon & Turnbull in Edinburgh on 01 December 2026; the event will be livestreamed.
The book tells the story of the interwoven lives of Samuel John Peploe, John Duncan Fergusson, George Leslie Hunter and Francis Campbell Boileau Cadell. They were bound together by friendship and an immersion in progressive French art, which resulted in their use of bold design, beautiful brushwork and, above all, brilliant colour.
Individually and collectively the four artists were the torch bearers of modern art in Scotland. In 1937 the artist David Foggie described Peploe as "the creator of a new beauty, entirely of this century and unique". This description can be applied to all the members of the quartet now celebrated as the ʻScottish Colouristsʼ.
In this richly illustrated account based on new research, acclaimed art historian Alice Strang re-examines the Colouristsʼ lives, work and international legacy, revealing why their art continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
The talk will take place amidst the preview of our December 2026 Scottish Paintings & Sculpture auction. This includes Part II of our celebrations of selling the Scottish Colourists for a century, having first sold their work – an example by Cadell – in 1926. He and his fellow Colourists are all represented by beautiful paintings in the sale.
Join us in person at out saleroom in Edinburgh from 6pm to 8pm on 01 December for the talk and drinks reception.
For those joining online the talk will begin at 6.30pm on 01 December approximately.
Booking required for both, please follow the links above to book your preferred option.
You can order a copy of the book in advance below or copies will be available to buy on the night, with a 10% discount. Alice is happy to sign and dedicate them.
