Celebrating 40 Years of Scotland’s Photography Collection
Discover the stories within the photographs, marvel at historic photographs and visit some famous faces in this eclectic celebration of the nation’s photography collection.
About Celebrating 40 Years of Scotland’s Photography Collection
Celebrating 40 Years of Scotland’s Photography Collection marks this magnificent milestone, reflecting on all that has been accomplished in the last four decades and looking to the future.
In the 1980s recognition of photography as an artform was growing rapidly as museums and galleries around the world were looking to establish and grow their collections. National Galleries of Scotland were no different. Having begun collecting photography in the late 19th century, it was in 1984 that the National Galleries of Scotland collection was formally established. A world-renowned photography collection it is regarded as one of the best in the UK, its breadth and quality matches those of London institutions such as the V&A and National Portrait Gallery, London. Due to its original remit to collect the very best of Scottish and international photography, the collection has developed over the last 40 years to have global reach.
Now over 55,000 artworks strong the ever-growing collection is showcased in this lively exhibition which explores the major themes, subjects and processes from throughout the history of photography. Including works by major photographers such as Julia Margaret Cameron, Robert Mapplethorpe and Annie Leibovitz. Highlighting the enticing and universal nature of photography, the exhibition will include six themes; portraiture, landscape, documentary photography, archives, inclusion and experimentation.
Find portraits of famous Scots such as, Andy Murray, The Proclaimers, Jackie Kay and David Tennant as well as fun and vibrant portraits such as Viviane Sassen’s In Bloom. A newly acquired work consisting of photographs, film and performance by Glasgow-based artists Beagles & Ramsay will be on display for the first time. The Sanguis Gratia Artis (Black Pudding Self-Portrait), is a performance piece alongside photographs where the artists make black pudding out of their own blood to explore the boundaries of the self-portrait.
Image: Viviane Sassen, In Bloom, 2011. National Galleries of Scotland, purchased 2014. (c) Viviane Sassen
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Edinburgh, click here to find out more!
Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Just hit 'Like' on our Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our Twitter account and you're all set!Sponsored Links
Other Events at National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait
The World of King James VI and I
Marking the 400-year anniversary of King James’s death, this exhibition will chart his remarkable reign through stories of friendship, family, feuds and ambition.
READ MORESponsored Links
Similar events you might like...
Snapshots: Gallery Short Talks
Join us on Thursdays at The Palace of Holyroodhouse for a short talk on one of the fascinating photographs in our exhibition Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography!
READ MORE
You’re a House of Many Rooms and All the Secrets Deep Entombed Within You, I Know a Few
This exhibition, showing at SETT Studios in May, explores meanings around parts of ourselves and others by multidisciplinary artists!
READ MORE
Works in Progress
Works In Progress is an exhibition of collaborative artworks by students at the University of Edinburgh. Catch it at Whitespace from 9th to 15th May!
READ MORE
Connecting Europe Fair
Come along to the Connecting Europe Fair at French Institute on 10th May, it's offering support and inspiration for exploring and planning European travel, learning exchanges and adventures.
READ MORE
Edinbrick - A LEGO Model Show
Edinbrick is back for 2025! Edinburgh's biggest LEGO Model Show, will be held on the weekend of the 10th and 11th of May at Meadowbank Sports Centre.
READ MORE
Grain and Groove Art Exhibition
Catch the Grain and Groove Art Exhibition by young Edinburgh based artists, showcasing their handcrafted designs, at Dr Neil's Garden in Duddingston from 10th to 14th May!
READ MORE
Grid : Alan Chapman and Eleanor Symms
Grid is an exciting new works by painter and printmaker, Alan Chapman, and contemporary jeweller, Eleanor Symms at Coburg House Art Studios on Saturdays & Sundays from 10th to 18th May.
READ MORE
Your Art World
Your Art World is a colourful exhibition, showcasing the artwork of creative 3–18-year-olds from across Scotland, at the National Galleries of Scotland: National.
READ MORE
Falastin Film Festival: Exhibition: Nakba 77 - Palestine’s Depopulated Villages
A photographic documentation of the 500+ Palestinian villages across Mandatory Palestine that were depopulated during the Nakba in 1948 and subsequently destroyed by the Zionist settler state.
READ MOREFind other events in Edinburgh
Sponsored Links