This is a list of the artworks from our collection currently on display at each Gallery.
Works are moved from view for many different reasons. Although this page is updated regularly, we cannot guarantee that the pieces listed here will be on display when you visit.
Sir William Allan
Matthew Hardie, 1755 - 1826. Violin makerabout 1822On Display
Edinburgh-born Matthew Hardie was an important and influential violin maker, who has been called the 'Scottish Stradivari'. His instruments were praised for both their beauty and quality of tone. Towards the end of his life, Hardie's business was undercut by cheaper factory imports and he spent some time in a debtor's jail. He died in a poorhouse. His skills, however, were passed onto family members, in what was to become a dynasty of violin makers.
- Accession no. PG 1955
- Medium Oil on panel
- Size 26.70 x 22.90 cm
- Credit Purchased 1960
- Subjects [2]
- Musical instruments
- Performing arts
Sir William Allan (Scottish, 1782 - 1850)
Born in Edinburgh, Allan was apprenticed to a coach painter before studying at the Trustees' Academy in the city from 1799; David Wilkie was a fellow student and became a lifelong friend. Allan went to London in 1803 to continue his studies, possibly at the Royal Academy. In 1805 he went to Russia, where he was based until 1814, travelling widely in the region. On his return, he settled in Edinburgh where he painted scenes inspired by his travels as well as subjects from Scottish history and Sir Walter Scott's novels. He was appointed Master of the Trustees' Academy in 1826, elected President of the Royal Scottish Academy in 1838 and became the Queen's Limner for Scotland in 1841, the year he was knighted.