Joan Eardley (1921 - 1963) is one of Scotland’s most celebrated female artists, known for her depictions of street life around her studio in Townhead in Glasgow and landscapes made in Catterline in Kincardineshire.

Joan Eardley’s association with The Scottish Gallery began as long ago as 1955 and we are delighted to bring together an exhibition of her work 60 years on.

The genius of Joan Eardley was well recognised in her own lifetime. She was honoured in 1963 with full membership of the RSA, just a few months before she tragically died of cancer. Eardley, however, was less concerned with her artistic legacy, and more with the next painting she was to create. She was entirely caught up with the drama and tribulation of the process of making art. She had a deep sympathy for her subjects and the wider human condition which fuelled her creativity till her dying day.

This exhibition will present Joan Eardley in context to her life and times. We will include paintings by several of her contemporaries and photography by Eardley, Oscar Mazaroli and by Audrey Walker, the artist’s close friend and muse.