Renowned Scottish artist’s 150th celebrated by University
Published On Fri 8 Jul 2016 by Dominic Younger
An exhibition celebrating the 150th anniversary of the birth of John Duncan, one of Scotland’s most internationally renowned artists, has gone on display at the University of Dundee.
The exhibition features two of Duncan’s classic Celtic-inspired paintings as well as rarely seen archival material, including details of his teaching in Dundee, publications that Duncan illustrated and correspondence with a later Dundee painter, James Torrington Bell.
Acclaimed as a leading figure in the Celtic revival and symbolist movements and born in the Hilltown area of Dundee, John Duncan’s work will be on display until the end of the month.
Curator Matthew Jarron explained, “Duncan’s Celtic Revival work in Edinburgh is well known but he also spearheaded the movement in Dundee, gathering around him a group of young decorative artists to form what was effectively the city’s first design collective.
“He also began teaching here, first at the YMCA then University College and finally at the art school in Dundee Technical Institute, now Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design.”
The display can be seen in the entrance of the Matthew Building, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design.
Curator Matthew Jarron also undertook detailed research on Duncan’s time in Dundee forhis recent book on Art in Dundee 1867-1924 which can be purchased at online.
Admission is free and John Duncan’s work can be viewed between 8am-8pm (weekdays) until Thursday, 28th July.
For further information, email museum@dundee.ac.uk or call 01382 384310.
For media enquiries contact:
Dominic Glasgow
Media Relations Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
Tel: +44 (0)1382 385131
Email: d.w.glasgow@dundee.ac.uk