Donald Urquhart RSA

RSA Friends Room

Newly elected member of the Royal Scottish Academy, Donald Urquhart, is recognised as one of the leading Scottish artists of his generation whose profound and thought-provoking work has been shown both nationally and internationally. Originally from rural Perthshire, Urquhart studied Drawing & Painting at Edinburgh College of Art where he now lectures. His strong interest in the perceptions of one’s environment has resulted in an artistic practice which involves working with architectural space and permanent outdoor installations in addition to his principal media of drawing, painting and installation. He was one of the creative team responsible for An Turas on Tiree, the built artwork that has received international recognition. He was also responsible for all aspects of the design of The Sanctuary, the award-winning spiritual space at the new Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

A recipient of numerous awards throughout his career, Donald Urquhart was awarded the Friends of the RSA Artist’s Bursary in 1997, enabling him to embark on a three-month period of travel and research in Iceland, undertaken in 1998. This trip became inspiration for a series of 5 screenprints commissioned by Peacock Visual Arts – The Icelandic Suite, works from which will comprise part of Donald Urquhart’s Friends’ Room Exhibition. The Exhibition will also include works from a set of 4 aquatint etchings, commissioned by Edinburgh Printmakers – Snow Described Form, 1-4. Inspired by a trip to the Cairngorms, the etchings further develop concepts stimulated by Urquhart’s time in Iceland using Scottish scenery as subject matter.

Donald Urquhart will also feature in New Academicians in the RSA Finlay Room from 26 September.