2021 marks the centenary of the birth of Joan Eardley, who is now recognised as one of Scotland’s most important artists.


We asked our staff to select their favourite works from those which will be featured as part of the exhibition on Joan Eardley, due to open in November 2021 at Perth Museum and Art Gallery

Artists featured in this Curation: Joan Kathleen Harding Eardley (1921–1963)
5 artworks
  • Summer Grasses and Barley on the Clifftop

    Shelagh from our front of house team has selected Summer Grasses and Barley on the Clifftop.


    It just looks like many of the coastal walks I have gone on and I love the beautiful blue of the sea, it reminds me of holidays!

    Summer Grasses and Barley on the Clifftop c.1962
    Joan Kathleen Harding Eardley (1921–1963)
    Oil on board
    H 110.2 x W 137.8 cm
    Museums & Galleries Edinburgh – City of Edinburgh Council
    Summer Grasses and Barley on the Clifftop
    © the Eardley estate. All rights reserved, DACS 2024. Image credit: Museums & Galleries Edinburgh – City of Edinburgh Council

  • Children and Chalked Wall 3

    Amy, our collections officer, has selected Children and Chalked Wall 3.


    I love how Joan has the captured the childhood innocence of her subjects. The children look happy and content, despite the deprived conditions that they lived in.

    Children and Chalked Wall 3 1962–1963
    Joan Kathleen Harding Eardley (1921–1963)
    Oil, newspaper & metal foil on canvas
    H 61 x W 68.6 cm
    National Galleries of Scotland
    Children and Chalked Wall 3
    © the Eardley estate. All rights reserved, DACS 2024. Image credit: National Galleries of Scotland

  • Snow II

    Rhona, our Programming and Collections Manager, has selected Snow II.


    My favourite Eardley painting is Snow II as the colour of the light reminds me of sledging when I was little, the day was growing late and I didn’t want it to end.

    Snow II c.1961
    Joan Kathleen Harding Eardley (1921–1963)
    Oil on board
    H 78 x W 99 cm
    University of Dundee Fine Art Collections
    Snow II
    © the Eardley estate. All rights reserved, DACS 2024. Image credit: University of Dundee Fine Art Collections

  • Winter Sea III

    David, our exhibitions officer, has selected Winter Sea III.


    Before starting here at Perth Museum and Art Gallery, I had little or no knowledge of Joan Eardley and her work. One of the great pleasures of working here is making these sorts of discoveries. This painting has a synesthetic quality to it for me. As I look, I can hear the rumble of the surf and smell the ozone sea spray fizzing on the canvas.

    Winter Sea III 1959
    Joan Kathleen Harding Eardley (1921–1963)
    Oil on canvas (?)
    H 100.3 x W 159.4 cm
    The Fleming Collection
    Winter Sea III
    © the Eardley estate. All rights reserved, DACS 2024. Image credit: The Fleming Collection

  • Rag and Bone Shop, Glasgow

    Mark from our collections team has selected Rag and Bone Shop, Glasgow.


    It reminds me of my childhood hanging off my grandmother’s front gate waiting for the ringing handbell and the distinctive cry of ‘rag ‘n bone’. Then the clopping of hooves as his horse and cart pulled into the street. A magnificent sight for a toddler and one never forgotten. I don’t know if he had a shop though!

    Rag and Bone Shop, Glasgow mid-20th C
    Joan Kathleen Harding Eardley (1921–1963)
    Gouache
    H 33 x W 26.5 cm
    The Fleming Collection
    Rag and Bone Shop, Glasgow
    © the Eardley estate. All rights reserved, DACS 2024. Image credit: The Fleming Collection