Jean F. Watson: An Artistic Legacy
This exhibition at City Art Centre celebrates Jean Watson's brilliant legacy, showcasing a century of Scottish masterpieces as part of the Royal Scottish Academy's spectacular 200th-anniversary!
About Jean F. Watson: An Artistic Legacy
| 16th May 2026 to 4th Oct 2026 | |
| As per opening hours | |
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City Art Centre 2 Market Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1DE |
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| This is a free event | |
| Visit the event website here |
Jean Fletcher Watson (1877-1974) was an Edinburgh resident who had a significant impact on the city’s cultural heritage. During the 1960s and 1970s she presented a series of financial donations to the City of Edinburgh to develop a collection of Scottish art. Since then, the Jean F. Watson Bequest Fund has enabled the acquisition of more than 1,000 artworks.
This exhibition celebrates Watson’s vision and generosity, showcasing a selection of historic and contemporary artworks from the collection. Featured artists include: William Fettes Douglas PPRSA, Arthur Melville ARSA, Charles Hodge Mackie RSA, JD Fergusson, Anne Redpath RSA, Eric Schilsky RSA, Joan Eardley RSA, James Cumming RSA, Eduardo Paolozzi, Elizabeth Blackadder RSA, Will Maclean RSA, Alison Watt RSA and Leena Nammari RSA
This exhibition is presented as part of RSA200: Celebrating Together. Founded in 1826, the Royal Scottish Academy supports art and architecture in Scotland. It is an independent, non-governmental institution, governed by Members to operate on a charitable basis. The RSA run a year-round programme of exhibitions, artist opportunities and events from the Mound, Edinburgh, and care for a nationally recognised collection. The RSA support artists and architects through awards, residencies, scholarships and bursaries.
In 2026 the RSA will celebrate its 200th anniversary. It is marking this occasion nationwide with RSA200: Celebrating Together. This partnership project will bring hundreds of artists, partners, galleries and institutions together for an extraordinary year of exhibitions, events and performances.
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