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 MORESponsored Links
Similar events you might like...
Home, work, love and hope - Annual Artist Books Exhibition
The Annual Artist Books Exhibition is taking place at Upright Gallery from 29th November with 32 artists exhibiting over 60 artist books on themes of Home, work, love and hope.
READ MORE
&Gallery Annual Winter Exhibition
&Gallery is delighted to round off the year with the annual Winter Exhibition, featuring a curated mix of painting, print, sculpture, and ceramics by gallery artists.
READ MORE
Beyond Monet & Beyond Van Gogh
Step into a world of light, colour, and imagination with Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experience at the Royal Highland Centre this Christmas!
READ MORE
Holistic Ways Festival
The Holistic Ways Festival is back for 2025 and returns to Edinburgh Corn Exchange on Sunday 30th November!
READ MORE
Drawing the Italian Renaissance: BSL Tour
Join our British Sign Language tour of the Drawing the Italian Renaissance exhibition at The King's Gallery, Edinburgh.
READ MORE
The Biba Story: 1964–1975
The Biba Story explores how fashion phenomenon Biba blossomed to become the world’s first lifestyle label, sparking a revolution in how people shopped.
READ MORE
The Scottish Tattoo Convention
The Scottish Tattoo Convention returns to the O2 Academy Edinburgh in March 2026, bigger and better than ever!
READ MORE
Flora, Fauna & Fabric, Where Art Meets Fashion!
Scottish artists/designers Adrienne Kerr and Elizabeth Martin unite their shared love of nature, storytelling, and textile in this exhibition at Dundas Street Gallery!
READ MOREFind other events in Edinburgh
Sponsored Links