The latest exhibition at Edinburgh’s Dovecot Studios is turning heads with a rare and vibrant showcase of Scotland’s most revolutionary painters. ‘The Scottish Colourists: Radical Perspectives’ presents a striking collection of works by Samuel John Peploe, John Duncan Fergusson, Francis Campbell Boileau Cadell, and George Leslie Hunter—artists who once stood shoulder to shoulder with Europe’s avant-garde masters.
A Bold Artistic Revival
For years, the Scottish Colourists were overshadowed by their European contemporaries. But this exhibition changes that narrative. It brings together privately held works rarely seen by the public, offering a fresh perspective on these artists who reshaped British modern art in the early 20th century.
These painters weren’t just influenced by trends in Paris; they were part of the scene. Their exposure to fauvism, cubism, and post-impressionism infused their work with a confidence and boldness that set them apart. Peploe, for example, channeled the geometric precision of Cezanne, while Fergusson embraced the wild color schemes of the fauves. Meanwhile, Cadell’s striking compositions of elegant figures and Hunter’s simplified color blocks added depth to the movement.
Standing Out in a Crowd
The exhibition doesn’t just celebrate the Colourists in isolation. It places them in conversation with Britain’s Bloomsbury Group, featuring works by Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant. It also introduces viewers to the Fitzroy Street Group and Welsh artists like Augustus John and James Dickson Innes.
Yet, even among this diverse mix, the Colourists command attention. Their mastery of color and tone creates a vibrancy that lifts off the canvas. The contrast is evident when their paintings are placed alongside more muted works from the same period.
A Legacy Built in Paris and Scotland
These artists weren’t confined to Scottish landscapes. They traveled, studied, and exhibited internationally.
- Peploe, Fergusson, and Hunter’s work was acquired by the French state in 1924 after a landmark Paris exhibition.
- Alexander Reid, one of Europe’s most influential dealers, championed their careers, securing them a place in the prestigious Galerie Barbazanges.
- Their first major London show in 1923 at the Leicester Gallery cemented their reputation, with art critic P.G. Konody coining the term ‘the three Colourists.’
Returning to Scotland, they brought these influences home. Peploe’s still lifes bore the hallmarks of Cezanne, while his landscape work—particularly in Iona—captured light and movement with striking precision. Fergusson leaned further into expressive color, while Cadell’s elegant portrayals of high society added a layer of stylistic sophistication.
The Market’s Belated Recognition
Despite their talent, the Colourists didn’t always enjoy commercial success during their lifetimes. Peploe was the exception, with the Tate acquiring one of his still lifes in 1927. But their real market boom came much later.
| Artist | Notable Work | Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| Peploe | Paris Plage | Acquired by the Tate in 1927 |
| Cadell | The Feathered Hat | Known for high society portraits |
| Fergusson | The Drift Posts | Key figure in fauvist influence |
| Hunter | Simplified Landscapes | Experimented with post-impressionism |
Interest in the Colourists surged in the late 20th century, with their works now commanding significant prices at auction. What was once considered a niche movement is now regarded as one of Scotland’s most important contributions to modern art.
A Rare Opportunity for Art Lovers
For those lucky enough to visit the Dovecot Studios, this exhibition is a rare treat. Many of these paintings reside in private collections, making public viewings few and far between. Seeing them assembled under one roof is a unique chance to appreciate their collective impact.
While the Bloomsbury Group and other British modernists receive plenty of attention, this show makes a compelling case for the Scottish Colourists as equally groundbreaking. It’s a vivid, unapologetic celebration of color, light, and innovation—one that finally gives these artists the recognition they deserve.
