Anne Redpath (1895-1965) | Women’s History Month

As Women’s History Month draws to a close this March, we celebrate one of Scotland’s greatest artists Anne Redpath (1895–1965). 

Anne Redpath was a pivotal figure in the group of painters now referred to as The Edinburgh School. She had attended the College of Art, receiving her diploma in 1917. After a lengthy spell in the south of France, Redpath returned to Hawick in the mid-1930s. Her brilliant manipulation of paint, left in delicious peaks or eked across a rough surface with a palette knife, is characteristic of the varied responses to different subjects at different times. In the last years of her output she often favoured a limited palette; perhaps a few brilliant, jewel-like notes enlivening a dark or white composition.

Redpath was an inspirational person and formed many enduring friendships. Her flat in London Street, Edinburgh became an artistic salon, celebrated by Sir Robin Philipson’s famous, affectionate group portrait in The Scottish National Portrait Gallery. She had considerable commercial success in her lifetime, enjoying a fruitful, consistent relationship with The Scottish Gallery and then with Reid & Lefevre in London. Since her passing, her reputation has been further enhanced with retrospective and centenary exhibitions resulting in her being established as one of the great figures in 20th Century Scottish Painting.

Anne Redpath at The Scottish Gallery | Exhibitions
1950, 1957, 1960, 1963, 1965 (Memorial), 1975, 1986, 1995, 2003, 2012, 2015

The Scottish Gallery has a direct and longstanding connection to Anne Redpath, having exhibited her work regularly during her lifetime from 1950 onwards. We have continued to support her reputation through exhibitions, scholarship and the careful placement of works in major private and public collections. Our archive and experience ensure her work is presented with context, care and authority, achieving consistently strong results.

As a gallery that has both championed and sustained Redpath’s market, we continue to place works thoughtfully with committed collectors through our exhibitions and Modern Masters programme. Since 1990 alone, we have sold over 200 artworks by Anne Redpath.

We are always seeking consignments of Anne Redpath’s work. Selling through The Scottish Gallery offers a discreet and informed alternative to auction, particularly during volatile times.

Our commission is 30% + VAT (plus Artist Resale Right of 4% where applicable), which includes all associated costs: photography, research, cataloguing, insurance, publication and marketing – offering a transparent and competitive alternative to the multiple fees, and commission for both buyer and seller, incurred at auction.

Please contact The Gallery for a confidential and informal conversation.

Christina Jansen | Managing Director

Contact The Scottish Gallery here

Dark Tulips in a Jug is a masterful example of Anne Redpath’s late work: bold, expressive, and rich with texture. Painted in 1962, during the final phase of her career, it reflects her confident approach to still life and her move away from conventional spatial order towards rhythmic abstraction.

A decorated jug of dark tulips dominates the composition, set on an upturned table draped in blue, with a bowl of plums nearby providing balance. The palette is moody and luminous, with deep blues and purples offset by flashes of light, creating a soft, tonal drama.  The impasto surface is alive with painterly energy.  Often working with a palette knife or the end of her brush, Redpath activates the surface with a strong physical presence.  Despite its robustness, the painting retains a delicacy, revealing Redpath’s ability to balance decorative beauty with emotional depth.

View the work of Anne Redpath here

Michael Palin on Anne Redpath
Vintage film from BBC2, 1997

Michael Palin sets off on a personal journey to uncover the story behind a beloved painting on his wall, an evocative Mediterranean scene by Scottish artist Anne Redpath. His search takes him from a London bank to a château in Cap Ferrat and a monastery in Edinburgh, weaving together travel, art and the life of one of Scotland’s most celebrated painters.

‘The Red Slippers’ by Anne Redpath

In 2020, National Galleries of Scotland created a short film exploring the work of Anne Redpath by looking at one painting. The mixture of Redpath’s appreciation of French art, and her time in the Scottish Borders are evident in the painting ‘The Red Slippers’. The painting is one of her most well-known works. The film takes a closer look at it and uncovers some unexpected surprises.

Anne Redpath was a key figure in the group of painters known as The Edinburgh School. We continue to champion the painters of The Edinburgh School and wider circle, many of whom were represented by The Scottish Gallery.  We have sold thousands of paintings by The Edinburgh School associated artists.

We are always looking to consign works, especially: Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, Elizabeth Blackadder, William Gillies, John Houston, William MacTaggart, David Michie, Denis Peploe and William Wilson. Do get in touch if you are interested in selling your paintings with us.

The Scottish Gallery specialises in producing beautiful publications to accompany our exhibitions. Rich in archival and written material, they are designed to bring your art to life. We have two particularly successful series: our Modern Masters series and A Collector’s Eye.

Contact us today for a confidential conversation about selling your paintings.

Please contact The Gallery for an informal and discreet conversation about selling art connected to our history and programme. Whether you are simply exploring options or ready to take the next step, our experienced team is here to offer thoughtful, confidential guidance. Do contact us today to begin the conversation.