Gray’s School of Art: 140 years - Never Make a Head Bigger than a Melon

Marking 140 years of Gray’s School of Art, this major exhibition reflects on the evolution of studio practice, teaching, and artistic relationships across generations.

Using the School’s 1966 relocation from Schoolhill to Garthdee as a lens, the exhibition reflects on Gray’s evolving identity, from its 19th-century roots in the Mechanics’ Institute, through post-war reform, to its role in today’s creative ecology. 

Exploring shifts in studio practice, teaching and cultural production, the exhibition and associated programme of events offer a space for speculation and provocation, sparking new conversations about the role of art schools now and in the future. 

Discover works by important artist-educators such as James Cowie, Henderson Blyth, Sylvia Wishart, Frances Walker, Joyce Cairns, Fred Stiven and Ainslie Yule, alongside contributions that correspond with these works by current staff and alumni including David Blyth, Andrew Cranston, Callum Innes and Tako Taal. Artworks and archival material are drawn from the collections of Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums, RGU Art & Heritage Collections, the Royal Scottish Academy and from private lenders.

Curated by Dr Judith Winter and Sally Reaper, Gray’s School of Art.

Supported by RGU Art and Heritage Collections. Supported by RGU Knowledge Exchange Innovation Fund, RGU Art & Heritage Collections, Gray’s School of Art, Creative Scotland, Aberdeen City Council, Creative Funding and private donors.