Exhibition

Gray’s School of Art: 140 Years - Never make a head bigger than a melon

22 November 2025 - 12 April 2026
Mon - Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Free to all

This major exhibiton marks 140 years of Gray's School of Art.

Marking 140 years of Gray’s School of Art, this major exhibition reflects on the evolution of studio practice, teaching, and artistic relationships across generations.

Using the School’s 1966 relocation from Schoolhill to Garthdee as a lens, the exhibition reflects on Gray’s evolving identity, from its 19th-century roots in the Mechanics’ Institute, through post-war reform, to its role in today’s creative ecology.

Exploring shifts in studio practice, teaching and cultural production, the exhibition and associated programme of events offer a space for speculation and provocation, sparking new conversations about the role of art schools now and in the future.

Discover works by important artist-educators such as James Cowie, Henderson Blyth, Sylvia Wishart, Frances Walker, Joyce Cairns, Fred Stiven and Ainslie Yule, alongside contributions that correspond with these works by current staff and alumni including David Blyth, Andrew Cranston, Callum Innes and Tako Taal. Artworks and archival material are drawn from the collections of Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums, RGU Art & Heritage Collections, the Royal Scottish Academy and from private lenders.

Curated by Dr Judith Winter and Sally Reaper, Gray’s School of Art.

This listing is supplied by one of our museum partners and is not moderated by Art Fund.

Get a National Art Pass and explore Aberdeen Art Gallery

You'll see more art and your membership will help museums across the UK

IndividualTiana Clarke Please note this is an example card and not a reflection of the final product

Visitor information

Address

Aberdeen Art Gallery

Schoolhill, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, AB10 1FQ
03000 200293

Free to all

Opening times

Monday 10am - 5pm.
Tuesday closed.
Wednesday - Saturday 10am-5pm.
Sunday 10am - 4pm.

Exclusions and safety measures

Admission is free. You can choose to book your ticket in advance at www.aagm.co.uk or scan the QR code at the door. You can arrive at any time and stay as long as you like.

We have a number of safety measures in place, including hand sanitising stations throughout the building and some temporary routes which are clearly signed. Please wear a mask when you visit. You can find answers to frequently asked questions on oru website at www.aagm.co.uk

Refurbishments

Aberdeen Art Gallery is proud to be a joint winner of Art Fund Museum of the Year 2020. Aberdeen Art Gallery is home to one of the finest collections in the UK. Between 2015 and 2019 the Gallery underwent a once-in-a-lifetime redevelopment supported by Aberdeen City Council and the National lottery Heritage Fund and led by Hoskins Architects. With more treasures on display and vastly improved visitor facilities Aberdeen Art Gallery, which includes the Cowdray Hall concert venue and the Remembrance Hall, is a must-see on any visit to the city.

Visitor information