The Scottish Colourists

Four trailblazing artists – Samuel John Peploe, John Duncan Fergusson, George Leslie Hunter and Francis Campbell Boileau Cadell – transformed Scottish art with their vision and vibrancy. 

This is the story of the interwoven lives of Samuel John Peploe, John Duncan Fergusson, George Leslie Hunter and Francis Campbell Boileau Cadell. They were bound together by friendship and an immersion in progressive French art, which resulted in their use of bold design, beautiful brushwork and, above all, brilliant colour. 

Individually and collectively the four artists were the torch bearers of modern art in Scotland. In 1937 the artist David Foggie described Peploe as ʻthe creator of a new beauty, entirely of this century and uniqueʼ. This description can be applied to all the members of the quartet now celebrated as the ʻScottish Colouristsʼ. 

In this richly illustrated account based on new research, acclaimed art historian Alice Strang re-examines the Colouristsʼ lives, work and international legacy, revealing why their art continues to captivate audiences worldwide.