In 1987 the RSA was the beneficiary of a significant volume of work from the estate of RSA artist James Miller. A Traveller’s Eye exhibits this collection together for the first time in over twenty years, to help rediscover a talented Scottish artist. RSA Collections Curator Sandy Wood has gathered a fine selection of Miller’s best watercolours and studies that bring to life his travels and adventures across Europe.

Throughout the twentieth century James Miller RSA completed his own Grand Tour, falling in love with the architectural heritage and cityscapes of Spain, Italy, France and latterly, Croatia. Miller's work was magnificently coloured by his regular travels to these places of inimitable light and his appreciation of architectural history, detail and form brought forth a draughtsmanship to die for. Combined with his keen situational eye, that expertly evoked the time and place of the scenes he experienced, the results are simply delightful to behold.

Miller completed his watercolours in the open air, achieving a vibrancy and atmosphere that could only be bettered by standing there oneself. Within the RSA collections it is difficult to find a body of work that rivals the James Miller collection in its ability to take the viewer on a far-off journey. The experience is a treat for the eyes and escapism incarnate.

For the first time this body of watercolours and accompanying drawings will be exhibited together in an exhibition celebrating Miller's prodigious talent. As an artist who has been sorely overlooked since his passing this exhibition will hopefully spark a long overdue rediscovery. As we bid farewell to a strangely good Scottish summer, this show will help keep dreams of sunnier climes alive over the winter months.

Royal Scottish Academy
RSA Building, The Mound
Edinburgh EH2 2EL United Kingdom
Ph. +44 (0)13 12256671
info@royalscottishacademy.org
www.royalscottishacademy.org

Opening hours
Monday from 10am to 5pm or by appointment

Related images

  1. James Miller, Venetian Campo with Church, Watercolour, c.1970s, Royal Scottish Academy collections
  2. James Miller, Church with Belfry, Jaén, Watercolour and chalk, c.1961, Royal Scottish Academy collections
  3. James Miller, View of Tarazona, Watercolour, c.1968, Royal Scottish Academy collections
  4. James Miller, The Church, Martigues, Pencil, watercolour and gouache, 1945, Royal Scottish Academy collections
  5. James Miller, Pieta, Dubrovnik, Watercolour, c.1969, Royal Scottish Academy collections
  6. James Miller, The Palace, moonlight, Watercolour and body colour, c.1946, Royal Scottish Academy collections