Scotland’s Photography Collection: Celebrating 40 years

It’s a collection that began in the late 19th century but went on to become world-renowned, and is now regarded as one of the best in the UK.

Formally established in 1984, the National Galleries of Scotland’s photography collection has amassed more than 55,000 artwork in its 40 year history. 

To celebrate the incredible collection, an exhibition showcasing more than 100 works from it will open this year. 

It features work by major photographers such as Julia Margaret Cameron, Robert Mapplethorpe and Annie Leibovitz.

David Hurn, Glasgow. The annual Dog Show. 1967. Negative_ 1967; printed 2019. Presented by David Hurn, 2019 © David Hurn – Magnum Photos.

David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson, Jeanie Wilson [Newhaven 15]

A newly acquired work consisting of photographs, film and performance by Glasgow-based artists Beagles & Ramsay will be on display for the first time. 

The Sanguis Gratia Artis (Black Pudding Self-Portrait), is a performance piece alongside photographs where the artists make black pudding out of their own blood to explore the boundaries of the self-portrait. 

Donald Maclellan, Ewan McGregor, 23 May 2000, purchased 2002 © Donald Maclellan photographer

Norman McBeath, Jackie Kay, 2001 © Norman McBeath

Viviane Sassen, In Bloom, 2011. Purchased 2014 © Viviane Sassen.

‘The 40th anniversary is the perfect moment to draw from the full breadth of Scotland’s photography collection,’ Louise Pearson, Photography Curator at the Galleries said. 

‘This vibrant and fun exhibition includes photographs of famous Scots and works by photographers who have become household names. 

‘It opens many possibilities in making connections across our country’s photography collection, sharing highlights as well as celebrating lesser-known works.’

Zed Nelson, David Tennant, b. 1971. Actor, 2011 © Zed Nelson.

Arpitah Shah, Tudong, from the series Purdah, The Sacred Cloth, 2013, purchased 2019 © Arpita Shah, from the series Purdah – The Sacred Cloth.