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? Follow us on Facebook and join the What's On Scotland Group!Sponsored Links
Other Events at National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait
Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer
Take to the skies and discover the world from above the clouds through the remarkable work of Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer at the National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait.
READ MORE
Tea Green Winter Market: National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait
Join Tea Green for an unforgettable Winter Market at the National Galleries Scotland: Portrait on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd November!
READ MORESponsored Links
Similar events you might like...
The Atelier Gallery, Winter Show
The Atelier Gallery invites you to our Winter Show, showcasing works from many of our beloved artists.
READ MORE
Digital Scotland 2025
Digital Scotland is Scotland’s largest digital transformation summit for public sector policy and technology leaders, taking place at Edinburgh International Conference Centre on 19th November.
READ MORE
Moving to Portugal Show
In response to a recent surge of interest from Scots now actively considering a new life abroad, the Moving to Portugal Show will make its Scottish debut in Edinburgh on Friday, 21st November 2025.
READ MORE
Fizz Feast
It’s Scotland’s Sparkling Event of the Year and our 10th Birthday! Join us for a wonderful event and the best way to kick off the Festive Season!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Macmillan Art Show
The Edinburgh Macmillan Art Show is a great way to get your hands on exciting, affordable artworks from some of Scotland’s finest artists.
READ MORE
Michael Fullerton
A major exhibition by Glasgow-born artist Michael Fullerton comes to the City Arts Centre!
READ MORE
DIGIT Expo 2025
Explore Scotland’s biggest tech exhibition to get up close with the new disruptive products and services that are shaping future businesses.
READ MOREFind other events in Edinburgh
Sponsored Links