David Michie RSA, Conversations
It is with great reverence that we host this autumn series of exhibitions by David Michie. With an Academy membership spanning more than fifty years and, having been preceded as an Academy Member by his mother, Anne Redpath, David has had a long and supportive association with the RSA.
As an artist, an exhibitor and a tutor, David actively took part in Academy life. He served on hanging committees, RSA Council, and was a prominent participant at Assembly of Academicians where his input and experience was very much respected. He encouraged the Academy to look forward and, in doing so, was greatly supportive of developments in the late 20th Century and early 21st Century, which have resulted in a more open and engaging Academy experience for artists, visitors, collaborative partners and Members alike.
A great traveller, David encouraged his students to go and experience the world. He featured on many a committee for the disbursing of funds for travel and was avidly concerned with how these experiences opened up a new world for artists.
The David Michie Gift (9 September 2016 - 13 January 2017) showcases twenty two paintings which have been gifted to the Collection of the Royal Scottish Academy by David and his family. These works, along with some 100 or more sketchbooks, photographs, a number of studio objects, and some Anne Redpath items, forms a body of research material which will be held by the Academy in perpetuity - enabling study into the artist and his methods for generations to come.
David Michie - Studio Works (9 September - 6 November 2016) enhances the Gift selection with number of works from across his career which are available for sale. This exhibition is aimed at highlighting a wider flavour of David's inspiration and the opportunity to purchase and enjoy these works from the artist's studio in our own homes.
In recognition of David's support of other artists and his belief in the necessity of travel to open up research for an artist, we will present The Artist Traveller (12 November 2016 - 13 January 2017) showcasing some of the projects which the RSA has assisted to fund in recent years. In celebration of this, and in partnership with David's family, we aim to launch a new travel fund The David Michie Travel Award, during November 2016.
David's infectious joie de vivre shines through in these selections of work. It is a great privilege for the Academy to be in receipt of such a magnificent gift and to be able to celebrate this with these shows in his honour. We hope that you enjoy viewing them too.
