Royal artist gets seal of approval from gallery-goers

16th January 2025

Gallery-goers in Fife have been wowed by a major retrospective of an eminent Victorian artist that has just four weeks to run.

The celebration of royal favourite Joseph Noël Paton – held in the artist’s home city – has introduced his work to a whole new audience.

More than 13,800 visitors have already been to see the show at Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries and some 500 have left glowing reviews on comment cards at the venue.

The exhibition, which closes on 9 February, charts the remarkable career of an artist described in his New York Times obituary as Queen Victoria's favourite painter.

The distinguished critic Duncan Macmillan, who is Professor Emeritus of Fine Art at the University of Edinburgh, has given the exhibition a five-star review.

Describing the show as “carefully selected and thoughtfully hung”, Professor Macmillan said: “This exhibition sheds new light on the work of Paton by offering a fuller understanding of his private life.”

Among the comment cards completed by visitors, one describing the show as “fantastic”, stated: It’s so informative ... I’m planning on visiting again as there is so much to take in.”

Another commented: “Despite living in Dunfermline for the past 20 years, I knew nothing of Noel Paton. He deserves a lot more recognition. I'm glad this wonderful exhibition is raising his profile.”

Those thoughts were echoed in another card: “I hadn’t heard of Noel Paton. The detail in his paintings is extraordinary. I was recommended to see it by a friend and was not disappointed.”

The exhibition features more than 70 works of art as well as personal items, including sketch books and medals. Poignant drawings of Queen Victoria and her children – drawn soon after Prince Albert’s death – are among the attractions on show.

Paton’s royal links aside, the exhibition showcases work inspired by biblical scenes, classical mythology and Scots folklore. It offers a chance to admire Paton’s naturalistic style, which was greatly influenced by the 19th-century British art movement, the Pre-Raphaelites.

One gallery-goer described the show as ‘a master stroke for Dunfermline’, rating it as ‘one of the best I've seen’, before adding ‘congratulations to everyone involved … it’s a great achievement’.

“It’s fabulous to have such important works on display in Fife,” wrote one visitor. “I’m delighted that Paton can be honoured in his home town.

Other cards have included comments such as ’blown away’, ‘gave me goosebumps’ and ‘a beautiful exhibition … aided by delightful and helpful staff’.

A variety of events have been run in conjunction with the exhibition – including mindfulness activities, walking tours, puppet-making workshops, creative writing sessions and art classes. Gallery staff have also hosted more than 170 pupils from three local primary schools.

Two more free events have been planned. A dementia-friendly reminiscence session from 2-3pm on 23 January will use the exhibition as inspiration. It is open to care homes and individuals living with dementia and their carers.

A drop-in storytelling and music session is scheduled for 11am-12pm on 6 February. This celebration of the traditional tales so loved by Paton is led by storyteller Beverley Bryant and harpist Heather Yule – also known as the duo Glamourie.

Exhibition curator Lesley-Anne Lettice says: “It's been wonderful opening the postbox in the gallery and reading the comment cards. Everyone seems to have taken Noel to their hearts.

“It's lovely that so many visitors from his hometown are now fans of his work. He would be so pleased by that, as Dunfermline meant a great deal to him.“

Joseph Noël Paton: An Artist’s Life – From Dunfermline to the Royal Court will be on display until February 9, 2025. To book places at upcoming events, call 01383 602365 or email [email protected].

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