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In the 1960s, Edinburgh resident Jean Fletcher Watson (1877-1974) established The Jean F. Watson Bequest, a significant financial contribution to the City of Edinburgh dedicated to building a collection of Scottish art. This bequest remains the city's primary funding source for acquiring artworks.

Since then, the fund has been used not only to address historical gaps in the fine art collection but also supports the purchase of contemporary works. To date over 1,000 artworks have been acquired through the Bequest, featuring notable pieces by renowned artists such as Allan Ramsay, John Lavery, J.D. Fergusson, Dorothy Johnstone, William Gillies, Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, Eduardo Paolozzi, Joan Eardley, John Bellany, Victoria Crowe, and Maud Sulter.

In the 1960s, to honour Watson’s vital contribution to the development of the collection, the city commissioned sculptor Eric Schilsky to create a portrait bust of her. Schilsky, who served as Head of the School of Sculpture at Edinburgh College of Art from 1945 to 1969, crafted this bronze bust, which is now permanently displayed as part of the City Art Centre’s collection.

Val Walker, Convener for Culture and Communities, said:

I am thrilled that the council approved the to provide a permanent showcase for this influential figure in our culture. 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.