Border Crossings: Ten Scottish Masters of Modern Art
The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery & Museum
Opens Saturday 28 June 2025. Runs until Sunday 14 June 2026
FREE
Ten pioneering modern Scottish artists are the subject of a new exhibition at The McManus, opening later this month.
The bold visions and international acclaim have placed them among the greats of global art history. These artists are Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, Robert Colquhoun, William Crozier, Alan Davie, William Gear, William Johnstone, Robert MacBryde, Eduardo Paolozzi, William Scott and William Turnbull.
All ten made a unique contribution to the development of modern art worldwide. All ten left their home country to achieve success. All ten were immersed in international developments in art, centred on Paris, London and subsequently New York.
Despite their success, only Eduardo Paolozzi, a godfather of the pop art movement and Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, associated with the St Ives group, have attained significant profile in Scotland. This is something that this display, entirely drawn from Dundee’s nationally recognised art collection, will help redress.
These Scottish artists transcended national boundaries to become influential figures on the world stage. From William Turnbull born in Dundee and who established an international reputation for his paintings and sculpture that resonated across Europe and America, to Alan Davie’s and William Gear’s abstractions that captivated audiences in New York alongside Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko.
Border Crossings at The McManus pays tribute to the remarkable legacy of these artists, explores their journeys and invites visitors to look at how Scotland’s modern masters helped shape the art scene worldwide.
As an accompaniment to the exhibition, author Damian Barr will be talking about his new book, The Two Roberts, at an event in The Steps Theatre at Dundee’s Central Library in September. Robert MacBryde and Robert Colquhoun both feature in the exhibition. The Two Roberts were artists, lovers and outsiders. From 1930s Glasgow to wartime London, The Two Roberts is a captivating love story, inspired by the true story of their wild lives.
Anna Day, Head of Libraries and Culture at Leisure & Culture Dundee said
“These ten remarkable artists left Scotland as young dreamers and now go on show at The McManus as Modern Scottish Masters. Each one reshaped how we see the world, leaving an indelible mark on 20th century art. Their extraordinary works, worthy of any national collection, are right here as part of Dundee's collection. We can’t wait to welcome visitors to experience them up close.”
Anna Robertson, Fine and Applied Art Manager at The McManus said
“Dundee is privileged to have an art collection of real quality that it is recognised as being of national significance. Since 2005, it has been shown in a series of thematic annual displays in our Twentieth Century Gallery. This approach ensures that both longstanding favourites and little-known gems are regularly brought out for our visitors to enjoy. This is the first time that these ten artists have been brought together in a McManus display.”
Border Crossings: Ten Modern Scottish Masters at The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery & Museum is FREE to visit and opens Saturday 28 June 2025 and runs until Sunday 14 June 2026
