Artists: Nicky Bird, Adrian Lear, Emily Speed
Sir Patrick Allan Fraser of Hospitalfield House, Arbroath, has been of primary importance to the development of Scottish Art throughout the 20th Century. Left to the Hospitalfield Trust as an art school and to further the development and support of art in Scotland, the House has influenced many a well-kent face over the years. Artists such as Ian Fleming, Joan Eardley, Colquhoun and MacBryde, James Cowie, Will Maclean, John Byrne, Alexander Fraser, Joyce Cairns, Callum Innes and Wendy McMurdo have all spent time at Hospitalfield.
Each year, the RSA funds three research residencies at Hospitalfield. Two of these residencies are funded by the RSA Sir William Gillies Bequest and the third by the Friends of the RSA. These funds enable residents a period of research and reflection at this magnificent house set in acres of land and overlooking the North Sea.
During their time at Hospitalfield, the residents enjoy the luxury of a studio, unlimited access to the museum-like interiors and extensive grounds of the House itself, as well as the camaraderie of other art scholars from across Scotland and indeed the world. Friendships formed at Hospitalfield are long forged.
The fund covers accommodation and meals for a period of up to three months. In 2003 the RSA initiated a partnership with the Scottish Arts Council who gave a further grant of £5,000 to the residents to cover materials towards investigating new work.
This selection of works by three recent residents is indicative of the range of media in which today’s artists realise new work. The Royal Scottish Academy is very proud of its association with Hospitalfield and is pleased to continue to assist with the development and presentation of young talent in Scotland today.
Colin R Greenslade, Exhibitions Coordinator, RSA
The Scottish Arts Council is pleased that such a partnership with the Royal Scottish Academy enables a shared investment in the creative development of Scotland’s visual artists. The bursary given by the Scottish Arts Council and enables artists to buy materials and equipment, and importantly, to take the time to develop their creative practice within the unique environment offered by Hospitalfield.
- Wendy Law, Visual Arts Officer, SAC
