Exhibition: Tides of Time
1st February - 26th April 2026
Scottish Maritime Museum
Harbour Road, Irvine, Ayrshire KA12 8BT
The Scottish Maritime Museum is partnering with the Royal Scottish Academy for a major exhibition exploring how Scotland’s seas and coastlines have inspired generations of artists.
This carefully curated exhibition will feature works by seven distinguished artists, each with deep connections to Scotland’s maritime heritage. Joan Eardley’s dynamic paintings capture the raw power of stormy seas, while John Bellany drew from his upbringing in a fishing family to create deeply personal works reflecting coastal life. Ian Hamilton Finlay and Ian Fleming both found inspiration in Scotland’s harbours and vessels, translating maritime scenes into compelling visual narratives.
Will MacLean has dedicated his career to chronicling the stories of Scotland’s fishing communities, while contemporary artists Kate Downie and Joyce Cairns continue this rich tradition, creating striking works that celebrate our coasts and ports.
This collaboration brings together exceptional artworks that will appeal to art enthusiasts and anyone interested in Scotland’s maritime heritage. The exhibition promises to showcase the profound influence of the sea on Scottish artistic expression across generations.
Zone Scotland