An exhibition of historic and contemporary Scottish artworks acquired through the Jean F. Watson Bequest Fund.
Jean Fletcher Watson (1877-1974) was an Edinburgh resident who had a significant impact on the city’s cultural heritage. During the 1960s and 1970s she presented a series of financial donations to the City of Edinburgh to develop a collection of Scottish art. Since then, the Jean F. Watson Bequest Fund has enabled the acquisition of more than 1,000 artworks.
This exhibition celebrates Watson’s vision and generosity, showcasing a selection of historic and contemporary artworks from the collection. Featured artists include: William Fettes Douglas, Arthur Melville, Charles Hodge Mackie, JD Fergusson, Anne Redpath, Eric Schilsky, Joan Eardley, James Cumming, Eduardo Paolozzi, Elizabeth Blackadder, Will Maclean, Alison Watt and Leena Nammari.
Jean F. Watson: An Artistic Legacy is presented as part of RSA200: Celebrating Together and Edinburgh Art Festival 2026.

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Visitor information
Address
2 Market Street, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH1 1DE
0131 529 3993
Opening times
Mon - Sun 10am - 5pm
Closed 25 & 26 Dec, 1 & 2 Jan
Exclusions and safety measures
Admission free, but charges apply for some temporary exhibitions.


