Edinburgh art lovers invited to discover Joan Eardley’s legacy in major free exhibition at Modern Two

A major new exhibition celebrating one of Scotland’s most beloved artists is now open in the capital, offering Edinburgers a fresh reason to visit Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art Two this spring.

“Joan Eardley: The Nature of Painting”, which opened on 2 April and runs until 28 June 2026, brings together more than 30 works by Joan Eardley in a free, two-room exhibition on the ground floor of Modern Two.

Although it launched just ahead of the Easter weekend, the show continues well beyond the holiday period—giving locals and visitors alike plenty of time to experience a powerful new perspective on Eardley’s work.

A fresh look at a Scottish favourite

Drawn entirely from Scotland’s national collection, the exhibition places Eardley’s expressive paintings alongside major names such as Claude Monet, John Constable and Antoni Tàpies, highlighting artistic connections across generations.

Visitors can explore 14 oil paintings alongside works on paper and archival material, offering insight into Eardley’s distinctive approach to painting everyday life and landscapes.

Among the standout pieces is Summer Fields (c.1961), where a glowing cornfield sits beneath a grey Catterline sky. The work famously incorporates real grasses and wheat, revealing how Eardley blurred the line between painting and environment.

From Glasgow streets to coastal drama

The exhibition captures the breadth of Eardley’s subjects—from the fishing village of Catterline to the streets of Glasgow.

Atmospheric coastal scenes such as Catterline in Winter (1963) sit alongside portraits of local children, including Children and Chalked Wall 3 (1962–63), featuring sisters Anne and Pat Samson. These works reflect the sense of community that defined much of Eardley’s practice.

Born in 1921, Eardley moved to Glasgow at the outbreak of the Second World War and studied at the Glasgow School of Art. She later settled between the city and Catterline, where the rugged coastline became central to her work until her death in 1963.

Rare insights and notable pairings

For the first time, visitors can also see Monet’s Grainstacks: Snow Effect (1891) displayed alongside Eardley’s paintings—drawing parallels between their shared fascination with light, texture and the natural world.

The exhibition also includes rarely seen archival materials from Eardley’s studio, housed in Modern Two’s Keiller Library, offering a glimpse into the artist’s life and influences.

Free to visit this spring

Curated by the National Galleries of Scotland, the exhibition is open daily from 10am to 5pm, with free admission.

Whether you missed it over Easter or are simply looking for a cultural day out, this latest show offers a compelling reason to step inside one of Edinburgh’s leading art spaces and rediscover a Scottish icon.