The paintings that form this collection draw inspiration from locations that exist in the collective imagination and memory — chiefly Florence and Venice — for that reason, the concept of familiarity surfaces, and a discussion placing the artist in the position of visitor stems.

Place is a topic presented in each of these works: David Cass’s works (some thirty Venice oil paintings and a selection of on-location Lucca drawings) are paired with gouache works by David McClure, and anchored by artworks from Elizabeth Blackadder, Earl Haig, William Wilson and Victoria Crowe (who perhaps has more claim to familiarity as a part-time resident of Venice).

Curated by David Cass, the exhibition presents work by Scottish artists, who have each chosen ‘everyday’ Italy as subject-matter.