Peploe first painted on the island of Iona in 1920 with fellow Scottish Colourist F.C.B. Cadell, and the two artists returned together most summers. Peploe was particularly fond of the rocky northern end of the island and its views towards Mull. Fascinated by the artistic possibilities of the island’s light and dramatic, changeable weather, Iona became a favourite motif for Peploe, as he painted it in all weathers and abandoned the warm colours of his still lifes for a palette of cool greens and blues. While the island became a sanctuary for him, a world away from life in Edinburgh, its picture-postcard scenery also meant that his paintings were readily saleable.