Elizabeth Blackadder: The Beloved Scottish Painter of Cats and Flowers
Dame Elizabeth Blackadder, a renowned Scottish artist who passed away in 2021 at the age of 89, gained acclaim for her enchanting still life compositions, botanical illustrations, and endearing cat depictions. Born in 1931, her artistic foundation was nurtured by her parents and further developed at the Edinburgh College of Art, where she eventually became a teacher. Blackadder's extensive travels in Europe and Japan enriched her work, reflecting her interest in Zen aesthetics. As the first female member of both the Scottish Academy and the Royal Academy, she exhibited her artworks at notable institutions, including Tate London and MOMA New York.
Key facts
- Elizabeth Blackadder was a Scottish painter and printmaker known for still lifes, botanical works, and cat paintings.
- She was born in 1931 and died in 2021.
- Her father, an engineer, taught her to draw; he died when she was 10.
- She studied and taught at Edinburgh College of Art.
- In 1962, she married John Houston, a member of the postwar Scottish school.
- She was the first woman elected to both the Scottish Academy and the Royal Academy.
- Her works are held in Tate London, MOMA New York, and the Scottish National Gallery.
- She was awarded an Order of the British Empire and became Dame Blackadder.
- Her cat paintings appeared on Royal Mail stamps in 1995.
- She was influenced by Japanese art and Zen philosophy.
- Her works include 'Sleeping Cat' (1984), 'Cats and Flowers', 'Two Cats and Flowers' (1980), 'Venice Cats II' (2013), 'Louis in a box' (2013), 'Toby' (2011), 'Black cat with vase of flowers' (1976), and 'Cats on a Kelim' (1978).
- The article discusses the cultural significance of cats in various mythologies.
Entities
Artists
- Elizabeth Blackadder
- John Houston
- Leonardo da Vinci
Institutions
- Edinburgh College of Art
- Scottish Academy
- Royal Academy
- Tate London
- MOMA New York
- Scottish National Gallery
- Royal Mail
- Fleming Collection
- Fleming-Wyfold Art Foundation
- Ayton West Gallery
- Glasgow Print Studio
- Academicians’ Gallery
- Royal Scottish Academy
- Brighton and Hove Museums
- The Guardian
Locations
- Scotland
- United Kingdom
- London
- UK
- Japan
- Venice
- Glasgow
- Edinburgh
- Wales
- Llanbrynmair
- Brighton
- New York
- USA