Scottish Renaissance: Sir John Leighton On The New Scottish Galleries at the National

In the latest episode of C&TH’s Break Out Culture podcast, Charlotte Metcalf and Ed Vaizey chat to Sir John Leighton, Director General of the National Galleries of Scotland, about Edinburgh’s exciting new opening.

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Sir John Leighton On The New Scottish Galleries at the National

Sir John Leighton. © Bryan Robertson

We talk to Sir John Leighton, Director General of the National Galleries of Scotland, about Edinburgh’s superb New Scottish Galleries at the National, which will open on 30 September 2023 after £38.62 million worth of investment.

The 10 light-filled rooms, offering majestic views over Edinburgh, will showcase 130 works of historic Scottish art by artists ranging from the Glasgow Boys, William McTaggart, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Anne Redpath to lesser-known artists like Phoebe Anna Traquair.

Sir John describes how many of these major beautiful works of art have been given new life by being moved out of a dingy, uninspiring basement into these contemporary galleries. We have a fascinating conversation about what it means to be a Scottish artist and how the new hang will redefine Scottish art and underline the importance of Scottish painters’ contribution to British art overall.

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Listen to Break Out Culture episode #126 below, or click here to find the episode on your preferred platform.