Barbara Rae
Barbara Rae is known for her semi-abstract paintings and prints, created through the skillful use of colour and line. Her output also includes tapestries, ceramics, and jewellery. Whilst studying at Edinburgh College of Art (1961–65) she was awarded a scholarship that enabled her to work in France and Spain after graduation. Travel has since been a significant element in her artistic practice. Many of her works explore the landscapes and peoples she encounters on her global travels – from Spain to Hudson’s Bay in Canada, she researches each location, immersing herself in the local cultures and histories, before creating a single study informed by intuition. She was made a Royal Academician in 1996, elected President of the Society of Scottish Artists in 1983, and awarded a CBE in 1999. In 2019, Rae was commissioned to design a Royal Mail stamp to celebrate 250 years of the Royal Academy. She has held numerous teaching posts, including at Aberdeen College of Education (1972–74) and Glasgow School of Art (1975–96).
