John Brown at Eighty

This July, The Scottish Gallery is delighted to celebrate John Brown’s eightieth year with a major exhibition, marking twenty-two years of exhibiting with The Gallery.

Born in Ayrshire and trained at the Glasgow School of Art, Brown has established one of the most distinctive painting practices in Scotland and has made a significant contribution to art education.

Travel is central to his practice, from the markets of Marrakech and the streets of Havana to the canals, gardens and allotments in Edinburgh. Brown transforms direct observation into richly textured, colour-filled paintings balancing structure with spontaneity. His practice continues to captivate with its warmth, humanity and enduring sense of wonder.