Exhibition

Jean F. Watson: An Artistic Legacy

16 May - 4 October 2026
10am - 5pm
Free to all

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.

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

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Visitor information

Address

City Art Centre

2 Market Street, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH1 1DE
0131 529 3993

Free to all

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.

Visitor information