Historic Glasgow art group rescued from collapse holds first show in ten years

A historic Glasgow art organisation which has come back from the brink of closure is preparing to celebrate the opening of its first major exhibition in a decade.

The Royal Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts (RGI) will unveil a major new exhibition at the Lillie Art Gallery in Milngavie, to celebrate the 130th anniversary of its Royal Charter, awarded in 1896 by Queen Victoria.

The RGI was founded in 1861, and once hosted the biggest open exhibitions outside London, attracting thousands of visitors.

In recent years it faced an uncertain future until it was revived last year by a new generation of artists.

The show features 130 works by top artists from around Scotland including Helen Flockhart, Ade Adesina, Jim McNaught, Rosemary Beaton and sculptor Shona Kinloch, who is known for her public sculptures of animals.

The historic Royal Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts (RGI) was brought back from the brink of closure (Image: Colin Hattersley)

RGI administrator, artist Michael Durning says: “It’s great to be back with a nice, big celebration show. The momentum is starting to build and the enthusiasm and support are coming through.

“We look to our assets, material and intangible, to continue our charitable purposes, we work with our friends to find opportunities to celebrate our cherished culture, and our shared heritage to create exhibitions in support of Scottish art.

“The Lillie Gallery is one of the largest exhibition spaces in the West of Scotland outside Glasgow and we have encouraged the artists to show their biggest, most colourful paintings.”

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He added: “The artists enjoy putting on a nice big show, but an exciting big show is even better, and we look forward to hosting great big shows that’ll be the pride of the country.”

The exhibition also includes works by past and present RGI members from the Lillie Gallery’s own collection, including paintings by Duncan Shanks, Neil MacPherson and Dame Barbara Rae.

When the RGI was founded it was a major part of the Glasgow art scene, supporting the early careers of artists such as Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the Glasgow Boys and the Scottish Colourists.

RGI administrator / artist Michael Durning pictured with bird sculptures by Shona Kinloch (Image: Colin Hattersley)

It exhibited paintings by Turner, Monet and Whistler, giving Scottish audiences a chance to see the very latest developments in art across the UK and Europe.

However, the organisation struggled, particularly after the closure of its flagship venue, the McLellan Galleries, and the decline of the cultural quarter around Sauchiehall Street after the Mackintosh fires. Now, however, the RGI is once again growing rapidly.

RGI President Gordon Murray said: “Twenty new RGIs were elected last year with more elections planned for later in 2026. Ordinary membership from subscription is also growing steadily.

“This promises the opportunity to expand our planned exhibitions in the JD Kelly Gallery over the year, beginning with one highlighting the career of Jimmy Cosgrove RGI PAI RSW.”