Kirkcaldy Galleries at 100: A Century of Art, Learning and Community
Marking its centenary earlier this year, Kirkcaldy Galleries stands as a significant landmark - one that has enriched the cultural life of the town and profoundly influenced my own life.
Celebrating 100 years of Kirkcaldy Galleries (1925-2025)
For me, it all began in early childhood. Kirkcaldy Galleries was the first art gallery I ever entered, a place that stirred my imagination long before I had words for what art meant to me.
"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once they grow up." - Pablo Picasso
Right next door was the library, another formative space where I first discovered the joy of learning, happily losing myself in books for hours. I still remember the thrill of turning 13 and finally being allowed into the teenage section. The perfect place to explore, discover, and be inspired.
As an adult, I pass the Galleries most days and still feel a quiet gratitude for having such a vibrant cultural hub on my doorstep.
Last week, I joined one of the Curator’s Gallery Tours and learned more about the building’s fascinating history, including the story of the “two Johns.”
The land the Galleries sit on was donated by John Nairn, grandson of linoleum manufacturer Michael Nairn. When the Galleries opened in 1925, local cloth manufacturer John Blyth (maternal grandfather of politician Michael Portillo) became the first chairman of trustees.
With his home overflowing with paintings, Blyth began lending works to the Galleries, sharing his private collection with the people of Kirkcaldy. He went on to serve as Honorary Curator for 36 years, constantly rotating his own artworks so visitors always had something new to enjoy, driven by a genuine passion for bringing art to the public.
From its earliest days, the Galleries welcomed world class art. I was stunned to learn they once displayed paintings on loan from Van Gogh and Monet, as if Kirkcaldy had been quietly socialising with the art world’s A-listers all along. Who knew you could feel close to Van Gogh without packing a suitcase?
Today, the Galleries hold the largest collection of works by William McTaggart and Scottish Colourist Samuel Peploe outside the National Galleries of Scotland, along with many significant pieces by the Glasgow Boys.
The current exhibition, Collecting the Contemporary, features paintings by John Bellany and Ken Currie, artists who draw deeply on Scotland’s landscape, history and emotional currents. Modern Scottish art feels right at home here, sitting confidently beside some of the masterpieces that shaped it.
Gallery room featuring works by John Bellany and Ken Currie
One of my favourites is a new addition to the Galleries’ collection - Referendum Teapot by Kirkcaldy artist Susan McGill. I have some of her quirky prints in my own home, and they never fail to make me smile. Created to mark the Scottish independence referendum, the teapot captures the emotions of that pivotal moment and shows how the Galleries continue to reflect the world around us.
Referendum Teapot - Susan McGill
As you step into the Galleries today, you’re greeted by a striking 1.6‑metre-tall Wemyss Cat, decorated by Griselda Hill of Wemyss Ware pottery. This larger-than-life feline marks the start of Kirkcaldy’s first public sculpture trail, launching in 2026, when a dozen giant Wemyss Ware cats will appear around the town, each with its own quirky personality.
Local artists have been invited to submit designs, and businesses are encouraged to sponsor a cat. Selected artists will be commissioned to decorate one, giving each sculpture a distinctive style.
To learn more about the Wemyss Cat’s significance in Kirkcaldy’s heritage and stay updated on the trail, visit the Adam Smith Global Foundation website: Cat Trail | Adam Smith Global
Griselda Hill’s Wemyss Cat Scuplture
A century on, Kirkcaldy Galleries remains a hub for art, learning, and community connection. I’d encourage everyone to step through its doors - whether to explore the exhibitions, delve into the archives or library, or enjoy a coffee overlooking the War Memorial Gardens. With a year-round programme of free events, there’s always something new to discover for visitors of all ages.
Upstairs in the Galleries overlooking Kirkcaldy’s War Memorial Garden
My favourite Sunday ritual is sitting at one of the café’s window tables, reading the newspaper - a moment to rest, reflect, and recharge for the week ahead, usually with a good cuppa (and occasionally a sneaky slice of cake too!).
To find out more about the Galleries’ programme of events, visit their website: Kirkcaldy Galleries – OnFife - or even better, pop in and chat with the friendly staff in person!
