Exhibition

Elizabeth Blackadder: A Life in Colour

20 June - 14 November 2026
Monday–Friday: 12pm–3pm, Saturday: 10am–5pm
Free to all

Exploring Blackadder's enduring fascination with colour across a wide range of work.

Marking five years since the death of Elizabeth Blackadder, this exhibition looks at her enduring fascination with colour across a wide range of work. Drawing on pieces from the Royal Scottish Academy alongside textiles made by Dovecot Studios, it showcases paintings and drawings alongside with tapestries and rugs, revealing shared approaches to colour, texture, and composition.

A central focus is Blackadder’s long collaboration with Dovecot Studios, which spanned more than fifty years and produced over 30 tapestries and hand-tufted rugs. On display for the first time is a newly made rug, The Red Bouquet, based on her 1975 painting. Its bold colour and shifting composition show how her work translates beautifully into textileform.

Known for her still lifes, botanical studies, and printmaking, Blackadder quietly challenged conventions of space and arrangement. This exhibition highlights how colour runs through all aspects of her practice, acting as a consistent thread across different materials and methods.

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

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Visitor information

Address

Dovecot Studios

Dovecot Studios, 10 Infirmary Street, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH1 1LT
01315 503660

Free to all

Opening times

Gallery & Shop
Monday - Saturday: 10am - 5pm

Sunday: 10am - 5pm (August only)

Tapestry Studio Viewing Balcony
Monday - Friday: 12pm - 3pm
Saturday: 10am - 5pm

Sunday: 10am - 5pm (August only)

Café
Monday - Saturday: 9:30am - 4pm

Sunday: 9:30am - 4pm (August only)

Please note the balcony and galleries may occasionally be closed for special events. We recommend checking our website for up-to-date opening times before planning your visit.

Visitor information