Culture Perth and Kinross launch 10th Anniversary with Major New Exhibition at Perth Art Gallery.
Culture Perth and Kinross officially launched its 10th anniversary year with the opening of a new exhibition at Perth Art Gallery: The Scottish Colourists Revealed. The exhibition brings together works by Samuel John Peploe, Francis Campbell Boileau Cadell, George Leslie Hunter and John Duncan Fergusson—collectively celebrated as The Scottish Colourists. The exhibition includes artworks which have never been on public display.
The Scottish Colourists drew inspiration from their formative years in France, and developed a bold, signature style, although they never actually painted as a group and were only exhibited together on three occasions during their lifetimes.
The exhibition features masterpieces generously loaned from Aviva, the National Trust for Scotland, Dundee and Edinburgh Universities, the Hugo Burge Foundation, and the Royal Scottish Academy (RSA). Auctioneers Lyon & Turnbull have also supported the exhibition as sponsors.
Helen Smout, Culture Perth and Kinross Chief Executive said, “As Culture Perth and Kinross turns 10, I’m delighted we’re able to kick off the celebration with the launch of The Scottish Colourists Revealed. This fantastic exhibition showcases amazing masterpieces by the Scottish Colourists which have never been seen in public and has been supported by Lyon & Turnbull who are also celebrating their 250th anniversary this year.”
The charitable trust also announced earlier this week that over 20,000 visitors have seen The Last Letter of Mary, Queen of Scots which is on display in a landmark exhibition until the 26 April 2026 in partnership with National Library of Scotland.
Culture Perth and Kinross has also appointed four new Trustees, joining longer-serving board members to help the charity build on its first decade of success and into the future:
- Stewart MacKenzie, a qualified accountant with an extensive career in local government
- Lauren Rhodes, Commercial Operations Manager at the National Galleries of Scotland
- Olivia Rickman, Communications Consultant
- Peter Young, chartered accountant.
Since the Culture Perth and Kinross’ inception in 2016, more than 4.4 million books have been borrowed, and more than 100 displays and exhibitions have been enjoyed by the public. 6 million visitors have passed through the doors of Culture Perth and Kinross venues, including Perth Museum, Perth Art Gallery, and Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries.
Notable highlights from the last ten years include Brick City at Perth Art Gallery, achieving Living Wage Accreditation in 2017, the Soutar Festival of Words, displaying the Ryder Cup and the Solheim Cup, welcoming authors such as Peter May, Anthony Horrowitz and Anne Cleeves, opening Perth Museum and welcoming the Stone of Destiny back to Perthshire.
The charity is also asking members of the public to send in their favourite memories, stories, and photos of Culture Perth and Kinross venues over the last 10 years, whether that be a library, gallery, or museum. Selected contributions will be featured on the Culture Perth and Kinross website. Please email submissions to marketing@culturepk.org.uk
The Scottish Colourists Revealed is now open and runs until Monday 26 October 2026. Admission is £6/£4.50 concessions. Culture Perth and Kinross Supporters and Under 16s go free. Discounts are available for National Art Pass and Young Scot Members. Tickets are available now via the Culture Perth and Kinross website.