A delicate White Drake by a Glasgow Boy
Curator Charlotte Topsfield tells the story of The White Drake, and the technique Joseph Crawhall developed to create such a natural and realistic work.
This ambitious project will completely transform the way we showcase the nation’s outstanding collection of Scottish art.
At the Scottish National Gallery, we are improving facilities and developing a new suite of spacious, bright, and accessible galleries. While construction work is ongoing, we have been busy delivering a full programme of activities, inviting people to discover and connect with historic Scottish art.
On this page, you can learn more about this exciting work and access a range of material that you can use to explore the Scottish art collection for yourself.
Collection stories
Explore the stories behind some of the most intriguing artworks in the national collection.
An ornate link to one of Edinburgh's most popular tearooms
The story behind Robert Burns' The Hunt and Crawford's tea rooms.
Monarch of the Glen: The creation of an icon
Artist Lachlan Goudie describes the significance of Landseer's great painting.
The Reconciliation of Oberon and Titania: A creative response
An astonishing wood carving project inspired by Sir Joseph Noel Paton's sumptious artwork from the Scottish collection.
Gallery and collection films
Scotland's art | In focus
In this series devoted to Scottish art, we look at paintings by some of the nation’s finest artists. We consider what makes each work so special and reveal some of the fascinating stories behind them.
Scotland's art | Styles and schools
In this series devoted to Scottish art, we look at the styles and schools that have shaped Scotland's art and discuss some of the nation’s finest artists.
Saint Bride by John Duncan
John Duncan was a leading artist in the Celtic Revival movement in Scotland. Inspired by ancient lore and the unique landscape of the Hebridean Isles, Duncan created works showcased his highly original vision of Scottish culture. Here, in one of his most celebrated paintings, we witness a coming together of Celtic and Christian tradition as the figure of Saint Bride is miraculously transported across the Hebridean sea to Bethlehem.
Where are the women?
In connection with our historic art collection, we are often asked by our visitors ‘where are the women?’ Through these films and events, we seek to highlight the significant ways women have contributed to Scotland’s art while recognising that we still have work to do to address this important question.
Where are the women?
Author and activist Sara Sheridan talks about the inspiration for her book Where are the Women?
A life dedicated to art | Flora Macdonald Reid
We explore her life and career of prolific artist Flora Macdonald Reid who worked to address some of the inequality faced by women in the nineteenth century.
Frances Macdonald MacNair, Bows
Frances Macdonald MacNair was one of the celebrated ‘Glasgow Four’, along with her older sister Margaret Macdonald, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Herbert MacNair.
Phoebe Anna Traquair
Phoebe Anna Traquair was a significant and important figure in British art. She contributed widely to the Arts and Crafts movement, and was one of the first women artists in Scotland to achieve professional recognition.
Conservation stories
Conserving Christ Teacheth Humility
Follow the conservation processes involved in preparing Christ Teacheth Humility for display at the Scottish National Gallery.
Art conservation | How are frames chosen?
Finding a frame for Flora Macdonald Reid's 1895 painting The Market Scene, Bruges
Conserving Glasgow Boys paintings
The conservation team at the National Galleries of Scotland is preparing two landmark Scottish paintings for display.
Activities and resources
In the mind’s eye
In this series of relaxing descriptive talks Juliana Capes will take a mindful, closer look at artworks and will invite us to take our time, to contemplate and to notice. It is suitable for both sighted and visually impaired visitors.
Scottish identity: Who decides who we are?
This resource invites teachers to use images from our collection, such as Monarch of the Glen, as tools to encourage creativity skills and interdisciplinary learning.