Private Landscapes
An Exhibition of landscape paintings by George Wilson, an artist born near Cullen in Banffshire who went on to be recognised as one of the finest watercolour painters of his generation
George Wilson (1848–1890) was one of the most distinctive and talented Scottish watercolourists of his generation, but even in his lifetime his name was little known. Modest and self-critical by nature, he rarely exhibited or promoted his art and most of his work remained with his family after his tragically early death aged 41. Brilliantly coloured and meticulously painted, the 19 watercolours and two sketchbooks in this exhibition demonstrate Wilson’s ability to find beauty in every quiet corner of the landscape.
Born at Tochieneal, south of Cullen in Banffshire, Wilson was educated in Aberdeen and attended the University of Edinburgh. In 1868 he moved to London to attend Heatherley’s School of Art, where he became part of a close group of artist friends. United by their love of literature and drawing, they were nicknamed the ‘Brotherhood’, in imitation of the Pre-Raphaelite artists. Wilson also studied for a year at the Royal Academy Schools and at the more progressive Slade School of Fine Art in London, before spending two years in Rome.
Wilson occasionally submitted oil paintings for exhibition at the Royal Academy and other London galleries, mostly of literary subjects. In private, however, he preferred to paint landscape watercolours. He travelled constantly, painting on trips abroad to Italy, France and Algeria, and on his regular visits to see his family in Aberdeenshire. Wilson’s landscape watercolours convey his intense love of nature and a sense of the mystery and beauty of the world around us.
All but one of the watercolours on show were bequeathed to the National Galleries of Scotland in 2018 by the artist’s great-great-nephew, Alan Victor (1942–2018). They have recently been conserved and the exhibition will also give a fascinating insight into the work and new research carried out by the Paper Conservation team.
An exhibition only ticket is available for £4.50, this is an on-site only option.
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Dates
Performances on 8/10/2025 12:00:00 AM
Weekly on a Sunday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday starting on 10th August 2025 at 10:00 until 24th August 2025
Sunday 10 August 2025 10:00AM to 4:30PM
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Duff House, , Banff, AB45 3SX
Last entry 3.30pm. Closed for lunch 12 noon to 12.45pm.
Included in admission price.
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Great Days Out Await!Performances on 8/14/2025 12:00:00 AM
Weekly on a Sunday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday starting on 10th August 2025 at 10:00 until 24th August 2025
Thursday 14 August 2025 10:00AM to 4:30PM
00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000
Duff House, , Banff, AB45 3SX
Last entry 3.30pm. Closed for lunch 12 noon to 12.45pm.
Included in admission price.
Book ticketsNot a member? Join now to start enjoying the benefits
Free for Historic Scotland MembersSign up to our newsletter and be the first to hear about news about our attractions, events, membership and ways you can experience the historic environment.
Great Days Out Await!Performances on 8/15/2025 12:00:00 AM
Weekly on a Sunday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday starting on 10th August 2025 at 10:00 until 24th August 2025
Friday 15 August 2025 10:00AM to 4:30PM
00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000
Duff House, , Banff, AB45 3SX
Last entry 3.30pm. Closed for lunch 12 noon to 12.45pm.
Included in admission price.
Book ticketsNot a member? Join now to start enjoying the benefits
Free for Historic Scotland MembersSign up to our newsletter and be the first to hear about news about our attractions, events, membership and ways you can experience the historic environment.
Great Days Out Await!Performances on 8/16/2025 12:00:00 AM
Weekly on a Sunday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday starting on 10th August 2025 at 10:00 until 24th August 2025
Saturday 16 August 2025 10:00AM to 4:30PM
00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000
Duff House, , Banff, AB45 3SX
Last entry 3.30pm. Closed for lunch 12 noon to 12.45pm.
Included in admission price.
Book ticketsNot a member? Join now to start enjoying the benefits
Free for Historic Scotland MembersSign up to our newsletter and be the first to hear about news about our attractions, events, membership and ways you can experience the historic environment.
Great Days Out Await!Performances on 8/17/2025 12:00:00 AM
Weekly on a Sunday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday starting on 10th August 2025 at 10:00 until 24th August 2025
Sunday 17 August 2025 10:00AM to 4:30PM
00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000
Duff House, , Banff, AB45 3SX
Last entry 3.30pm. Closed for lunch 12 noon to 12.45pm.
Included in admission price.
Book ticketsNot a member? Join now to start enjoying the benefits
Free for Historic Scotland MembersSign up to our newsletter and be the first to hear about news about our attractions, events, membership and ways you can experience the historic environment.
Great Days Out Await!Performances on 8/21/2025 12:00:00 AM
Weekly on a Sunday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday starting on 10th August 2025 at 10:00 until 24th August 2025
Thursday 21 August 2025 10:00AM to 4:30PM
00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000
Duff House, , Banff, AB45 3SX
Last entry 3.30pm. Closed for lunch 12 noon to 12.45pm.
Included in admission price.
Book ticketsNot a member? Join now to start enjoying the benefits
Free for Historic Scotland MembersSign up to our newsletter and be the first to hear about news about our attractions, events, membership and ways you can experience the historic environment.
Great Days Out Await!Performances on 8/22/2025 12:00:00 AM
Weekly on a Sunday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday starting on 10th August 2025 at 10:00 until 24th August 2025
Friday 22 August 2025 10:00AM to 4:30PM
00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000
Duff House, , Banff, AB45 3SX
Last entry 3.30pm. Closed for lunch 12 noon to 12.45pm.
Included in admission price.
Book ticketsNot a member? Join now to start enjoying the benefits
Free for Historic Scotland MembersSign up to our newsletter and be the first to hear about news about our attractions, events, membership and ways you can experience the historic environment.
Great Days Out Await!Performances on 8/23/2025 12:00:00 AM
Weekly on a Sunday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday starting on 10th August 2025 at 10:00 until 24th August 2025
Saturday 23 August 2025 10:00AM to 4:30PM
00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000
Duff House, , Banff, AB45 3SX
Last entry 3.30pm. Closed for lunch 12 noon to 12.45pm.
Included in admission price.
Book ticketsNot a member? Join now to start enjoying the benefits
Free for Historic Scotland MembersSign up to our newsletter and be the first to hear about news about our attractions, events, membership and ways you can experience the historic environment.
Great Days Out Await!Performances on 8/24/2025 12:00:00 AM
Weekly on a Sunday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday starting on 10th August 2025 at 10:00 until 24th August 2025
Sunday 24 August 2025 10:00AM to 4:30PM
00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000
Duff House, , Banff, AB45 3SX
Last entry 3.30pm. Closed for lunch 12 noon to 12.45pm.
Included in admission price.
Book ticketsNot a member? Join now to start enjoying the benefits
Free for Historic Scotland MembersSign up to our newsletter and be the first to hear about news about our attractions, events, membership and ways you can experience the historic environment.
Great Days Out Await!Included in admission price.
Book ticketsNot a member? Join now to start enjoying the benefits
Free for Historic Scotland MembersSign up to our newsletter and be the first to hear about news about our attractions, events, membership and ways you can experience the historic environment.
Great Days Out Await!