Dorothy Johnstone, Greengate Close c1918 © the artist's estate

Greengate Close

A new University Collections display on the Ground Floor of the Sir Duncan Rice Library explores the artist colony at Greengate Close, Kirkcudbright, through Dorothy Johnstone’s painting of the famous close. In the small town of Kirkcudbright in the South-West of Scotland, the close behind 44 High Street, known as Greengate Close, became a hub of creativity in the early twentieth century. In the conservative atmosphere of Scotland during and after World War I, this bohemian space allowed artists to create and live in ways that were unconventional for the time. This display highlights Dorothy Johnstone’s painting of the Close, exploring the unique time and place she captured with her brush.

Curated by: Keava McMillan, University of Glasgow, Christina Mackenzie, University Collections

With thanks to the Johnstone family.

OPENING TIMES as per Library: SDRL

Runs 28 September until May 2027. A talk will be held in November: Dorothy Johnstone’s Greengate Close – Dr Keava McMillan

Date: 05/10/2026 to 11/10/2026

Time: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Organisation: University of Aberdeen, University Collections

Partner: RSA 200

Type: In person

Location: The Sir Duncan Rice Library, Bedford Road, Aberdeen, Aberdeen City AB24 3AA, GB

Free Event: no booking required

AgencyForGood

Copyright 2026 by the Association for Art History. All Rights Reserved