THE City Art Centre has installed a new statue commemorating Jean Fletcher Watson, whose money donated to the city’s art sector in the 1960s is still used today.
Unveiled yesterday, the statue will be on permanent display to celebrate Watson’s contributions to Edinburgh’s art industry.
Thanks to this staggering act of generosity, the Jean F. Watson Bequest still remains the city’s primary funding source for acquiring artworks.
The Edinburgh local was dedicated to supporting the development of a collection of Scottish art, and solidified Edinburgh’s place as a cultural capital.
In 1967, Watson made her donation to the city, having already given a large amount “for the foundation and development of a municipal art gallery”.
She was 90 years old at the time of the donation, and less than ten years after it was given, it still amounted to around £120,000 (almost £900,000 today).
The fund is still being used to purchase contemporary works and fill in historical gaps in the fine art collection.
The City Art Centre, located on Market Street, displays a nationally recognised collection of Scottish art, as well as a diverse programme of exhibitions from contemporary artists across disciplines.
As of today, over 1,000 artworks have been acquired through the Jean F Watson Bequest, including pieces by Eduardo Paolozzo, Allan Ramsey, and Maud Sulter.
The statue, titled Miss Jean Fletcher Watson, was commissioned by The Lord Provost Duncan Weatherstone in 1961, and was made by Eric Schilsky who was the head of the school of sculpture at Edinburgh College of Art at the time.
Val Walker, the convener for culture and communities, said: “Her contributions to the visual arts and culture in Edinburgh are invaluable and she should be celebrated.
“It’s remarkable that over 1,000 works have been acquired through this fund, tracing the evolution of visual arts in Scotland from the 17th century to today.
“The collection offers a rich overview for both current audiences and future generations, encompassing a diverse array of styles and mediums, including painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture, and installation art.
“Now whilst enjoying the collection visitors can also learn about Jean F Watson’s legacy.”
