Millais In Perthshire

Millais in Perthshire is a private collection of rarely seen artworks and personal belongings of prominent Victorian artist, John Everett Millais (1829-1896) and his Perth-born wife, Euphemia “Effie” Chalmers Gray (1828-1897). Millais is widely regarded as one of Britain’s greatest artists and was recognised around the world during his lifetime.

Millais met his wife, Effie Gray, in Scotland in 1853, while she was still married to the art critic John Ruskin (1819-1900). Millais and Gray married in 1855 following her annulment from Ruskin and the couple settled in Perth, where they stayed for several years before moving permanently to London in 1861.

Perthshire was not only a home for the couple, but a creative haven. Millais returned frequently to indulge his passion for fishing, hunting and shooting. The family rented accommodation in various houses near Dunkeld each autumn and Millais drew inspiration from the landscapes, rivers, and people of the area, with local scenery appearing in many of his most celebrated paintings.

On display exclusively at Perth Art Gallery as part of long-term loan from the artist’s great-grandson, Sir Geoffroy Millais, this display explores the profound connection between Millais and Perthshire, a landscape that inspired several of his most celebrated works.

In 2029, Culture Perth and Kinross will stage a major bicentennial celebratory exhibition devoted to both John Everett Millais and Effie Gray, across both Perth Art Gallery and Perth Museum. This exhibition will represent the most significant showcase of Millais’ work in Scotland, representing the reoccurring creative inspiration that the Perthshire landscape had on Millais throughout most of his incredibly successful career.

If you are interested in joining the journey of this exciting bicentennial exhibition, please click here for information on how you can be a part of The Millais Circle.

Millais in Perthshire is free to view, donations are welcome. Perth Art Gallery is open Thursday to Monday from 10am.

You can find out more about Millais in Perthshire in our press release.