Duff House in Banff set to showcase work of 19th century Cullen watercolour artist George Wilson
An exhibition featuring the works of a 19th century Scottish artist has opened.
Duff House in Banff is hosting the 'Private Landscapes’, showcasing the work of George Wilson.
Wilson (1848-1890) was one of the most distinctive and talented Scottish watercolourists of his generation, but even in his lifetime his name was little known.
Born at Tochieneal, near Cullen in Banffshire, Wilson was educated in Aberdeen and attended the University of Edinburgh before moving to London in 1868 to study art at the Royal Academy and the Slade School of Fine Art. There he formed a friendship with the portrait painter JB Yeats and joined ‘The Brotherhood’, an informal artistic group influenced by the work of William Blake.
Wilson was an accomplished draughtsman and was interested in the patterns produced in nature by foliage. He travelled constantly, painting on trips abroad to Italy, France and Algeria, and on his regular visits to see his family in Aberdeenshire.
His landscape watercolours convey his intense love of nature and a sense of the mystery and beauty of the world around us.
Modest and self-critical by nature, Wilson rarely exhibited or promoted his art and most of his work remained with his family after his tragically early death aged 41. Brilliantly coloured and meticulously painted, the artworks in this exhibition demonstrate his ability to find beauty in every quiet corner of the landscape.
All but one of the watercolours on show were bequeathed to the National Galleries of Scotland in 2018 by the artist’s great-great-nephew Alan Victor (1942-2018). The gift comprised of 18 watercolours, two sketchbooks and supporting archive material, which form the centrepiece of this exhibition.
They have recently undergone conservation and the exhibition will provide visitors with a fascinating insight into this work and new research carried out by the National Galleries of Scotland’s Paper Conservation team.
Graeme Curran, Collections Manager for Duff House at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “We’re really excited to open the doors to ‘Private Landscapes’, a beautiful exhibition of artworks by Scottish artist George Wilson.
“It’s always a joy to welcome pieces on loan from the National Galleries of Scotland into Duff House, but this exhibition feels uniquely special as we’re putting on display the works of a local homegrown talent. Visitors to the exhibition may even spot some familiar Banffshire sights in a couple of paintings!”
'Private Landscapes’ will be on open to view at Duff House on selected dates until Sunday 24 August 2025. The artworks are the latest in a series of paintings to be loaned from the collection of the National Galleries of Scotland. Entry to view the exhibition is included with admission to Duff House.
Booking in advance is recommended to guarantee entry.
An exhibition only ticket is available for £4.50, this is an on-site only option.
For more information and to book tickets, visit historicenvironment.scot/whats-on.
