Category: News

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Beauty in Plainness – William Scott in Somerset

15 November 2025–7 February 2026
Ochre Still Life, 1958. Tate, Purchased 1962.

Discover the work of one of Britain’s most influential 20th-century artists in this special exhibition from the Tate collection.

As part of the Trust’s Spotlight Loan programme, three major paintings by internationally celebrated artist William Scott CBE RA (1913-1989) will be on display at The Museum of Somerset.

Scott was a pioneering abstract painter, best known for his distinctive still life and landscape compositions. After settling in Somerset in the 1940s, he taught at the Bath Academy of Art for ten years and became a key figure in the post-war British art scene. In the 1950s, Scott developed a close friendship with American artist Mark Rothko, who visited and stayed with him in Somerset in 1959.

This exhibition features three large-scale works from this pivotal period in Scott’s career, offering a rare chance to experience his bold, expressive art up close. An animated film further explores the artist’s vision and life in Somerset. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the work of a true British art icon. 

OPENING TIMES:

Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00am-5:00pm

The Museum of Somerset

Taunton Castle
Castle Green
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 4AA

Tel: 01823 255088

E-mail: museumofsomerset@swheritage.org.uk

Beauty in Plainness
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Fermanagh artist honoured at Enniskillen Castle

By Mark McGoldrick

Fermanagh Herald

Enniskillen Castle, 27th September 2024: The launch of William Scott (1913-1989): From Life to Art exhibition at Enniskillen Castle was attended by William Scott’s son Robert and grandchildren Alex and Rosie.
Photo: Ronan McGrade

Fermanagh art enthusiasts are feeling “truly privileged” after a special exhibition has been set up at Enniskillen Castle which is aiming to celebrate the life and achievements of a local artist.

Well-known artist William Scott spent his early life in Enniskillen where he formed a close relationship with respected art teacher Kathleen Bridle, who played a key role in his career in art.

A special exhibition titled ‘From Life to Art’ has been established at Enniskillen Castle to celebrate 100 years since William Scott’s father moved to and set up home in Fermanagh.

To read the article in full, please click here . 

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Exhibition at Enniskillen Castle celebrates William Scott

Museum Manager, Sarah McHugh, with members of the Scott family Photo: Fermanagh and Omagh District Council

By Sandhya Suresh

The Impartial Reporter

An archive and exhibition has opened at Enniskillen Castle to celebrate the legacy of artist William Scott.

The exhibition, William Scott (1913-1989): ‘From Life to Art’, offers a deep dive into the influential artist’s life and work, with a particular focus on his ties to Enniskillen.

Scott, who was born in the town, received his first art lessons there and retained a lifelong connection to the area.

The launch of the exhibition on September 27 also marks the 100th anniversary of Scott’s move to Enniskillen as an 11-year-old.

To read the article in full, please click here .

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William Scott Archive and Exhibition Opens at Enniskillen Castle Celebrating a legacy of Art and Inspiration

Enniskillen Castle, 27th September 2024: The launch of William Scott (1913-1989): From Life to Art exhibition at Enniskillen Castle was attended by William Scott’s son Robert and grandchildren Alex and Rosie. Photo: Ronan McGrade

The highly anticipated archive and exhibition William Scott (1913-1989): From Life to Art opened at Enniskillen Castle, on Friday 27 September. The archive and exhibition pays tribute to the life and work of one of the most influential artists of this generation, focusing on his connections to Enniskillen – his birthplace – and the relationships, traditions and subjects that would stay with him throughout his life and his career. Scott spent formative years in Enniskillen, receiving his first art lessons from local artist and teacher Kathleen Bridle (1897-1989). Continue reading “William Scott Archive and Exhibition Opens at Enniskillen Castle Celebrating a legacy of Art and Inspiration”

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William Scott in Northern Ireland: an austere world and the things of life

Farmhouse, Augher, County Tyrone, 1931

The year 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of William Scott’s arrival in Northern Ireland, the birthplace of the relationships, practices and subjects which would stay with him throughout his storied career.

To mark this anniversary, Claire Dalton has written an article for Art UK.

You can read the article here .

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William Scott A Family History by Cardwell McClure

The author of this family history is Cardwell McClure, son of Mary McClure, née Scott, the younger sister of renowned artist William Scott CBE, RA.   Cardwell remembers how his mother told him that William, when a teenager, would get his younger sister to sit for him lacking any other willing members of the family.

This book provides a first hand experience of the family’s trials through poverty, tragedy, war and fame.

There are twelve chapters in the book, eleven of which are devoted to each child, while the first chapter outlines the family beginnings in Glasgow, Scotland. Continue reading “William Scott A Family History by Cardwell McClure”

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Robert John Scott (Bertie)

Bertie Scott at 20 years of age. Photo courtesy of McClure Archives
Bertie Scott at 20 years of age.  Photo courtesy of McClure Archives

It was 100 years today when William Scott’s younger brother Bertie was born in 1922.  Having set up a printing company with his older brother Charlie the business struggled to compete and it eventually folded.

Bertie then decided to emigrate to New Zealand in 1949 with his wife to be, the future looked bright for the couple as they settled into their adopted country, but tragedy once again struck the Scott family when his young life ended abruptly in 1951, the scaffolding he was working on collapsed and he was killed.

This was the fourth tragedy to occur for the Scott family.  William’s other brother, Hughie, had been killed in August 1942 in Operation Pedestal off Malta and his own father was killed fighting a fire in Enniskillen in 1927 followed by the sudden death of his baby sister Violet in 1931

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Hugh Scott

Hugh Scott
Hugh Scott photographed in 1941

On 12 August 1942, William Scott’s brother Hugh was killed on board HMS Indomitable in ‘Operation Pedestal’ off the coast of Malta.  The aircraft carrier HMS Indomitable was on its way to rendezvous in Freetown, under Captain T H Troubridge with the code name Force K.

Whilst Hughie’s body was interred at sea, the war memorial in Enniskillen commemorates his sacrifice as a Royal Marine.

Based in London, whilst serving in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, William Scott returned home to Enniskillen on compassionate leave.