Legacy of artists explored in Duff House exhibition
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A new exhibition of Scottish artists from the 18th and 19th centuries has went on display at Banff's Duff House.
Romantic Scotland has opened at the Georgian mansion following a period in China.
The late 18th century ushered in a new cultural movement in Scotland, which developed throughout the 19th century and transformed the country’s art, literature and national identity.
The impact and legacy of this period is explored in Romantic Scotland, which is on display at Duff House until Sunday, September 29.
Curated by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) and The National Galleries of Scotland, the exhibition showcases paintings from some of the leading Scottish artists of the 18th and 19th centuries - from Alexander Nasmyth and William McTaggart to Glasgow Boys Sir James Guthrie and Sir John Lavery – displayed alongside artefacts and exhibits from the same period, contrasting artists’ creations with documentary photographs, archive material and tangible objects.
Claire Whitbread, exhibitions manager at HES, said: “Romanticism in Scotland sought inspiration from the country’s natural surroundings, particularly the wild and dramatic landscapes of the Highlands, and often involved an emotional response to nature.
“The romantic image of Scotland popularised in the late 1700s and early 1800s has had lasting influence and significance, playing an important role in shaping both Scottish identity and perception of the country internationally.
“This exhibition, in juxtaposing the romantic interpretations of Scotland’s landscapes with historical photographs and objects, explores the different stories these items tell of this period in Scotland’s history.”
Romantic Scotland heads to Duff House following exhibition in China, where it was on display at Nanjing Museum, one of the country’s largest cultural institutions.
Tricia Allerston, co-director of Celebrating Scotland’s Art: The Scottish National Gallery Project, said: “The National Galleries of Scotland are delighted to be working with Historic Environment Scotland on this exhibition at Duff House.
“The complementary nature of our two National Collections helps us to explore a key aspect of Scotland’s culture and heritage in new and refreshing ways, and we hope visitors will enjoy it.”
Entry to the exhibition is included in the Duff House admission price and is free for Historic Scotland members.
This summer, Duff House is extending its opening hours to open daily from 9.30am to 5.30pm.
For more information, including full details of events and exhibitions at the House, visit https://www.historicenvironment.scot/duff-house
