New Perth home for paintings of celebrated Scots artist
A new permanent Perth city display featuring the work of celebrated Scottish artist JD Fergusson will open later this month.
It will be housed at Perth Art Gallery to mark the Scottish Colourist’s 150th birthday.
The artist’s work had previously been displayed within the Fergusson Gallery building in Marshall Place.
Scottish Colourist, John Duncan Fergusson (1874– 1961) and pioneering dancer Margaret Morris (1891-1980) had formed a creative as well as romantic partnership and the newly refubished gallery will also feature her life and work.
Culture Perth and Kinross collections officer Amy Fairley commented: “We are delighted to bring the work of JD Fergusson and Margaret Morris to a wider audience in its new home at Perth Art Gallery.
“The new displays will demonstrate the important role which Fergusson played as an internationally recognised modern artist.
“And we hope that visitors will be inspired and enjoy learning about this creative couple.”
From Thursday March 21, the new Fergusson and Meg gallery will include some of the artist’s best-known works including ‘The Grey Hat’, ‘Le Manteau Chinois’ and ‘At My Studio Window’.
Ms Fairley added: “This exciting development will enable more visitors to explore the importance of Fergusson’s work in the history of Western modern art and his role as an international artist.
“The refurbished gallery showcases works spanning Fergusson’s long and productive career and will feature more than 40 paintings, drawings, and watercolours.
“It will feature important works by Margaret Morris such as Cafe Crystal, as well as dance costumes, photography, and film.”
John Duncan Fergusson, who was born in Leith, spent much of his life split between France and London. He was highly influenced by the French modern movements of the early twentieth century.
Margaret Morris, born in London, was best known for her achievements as a pioneering dancer and choreographer, but she was also a teacher, physiotherapist, author, and talented artist.
After some time in London and France, Morris and Fergusson settled in Glasgow in 1939.
The following year they set about reinvigorating the Glasgow art scene by establishing the New Art Club where artists, musicians and writers met weekly to take part in informal discussions.
Morris founded the Celtic Ballet and in 1960 it developed into the Scottish National Ballet.
An event celebrating Fergusson’s 150th birthday will be held later this year.
Admission to Perth Art Gallery is free, but donations are welcome.
We hope that visitors will be inspired...