Friday June 26th 2026
The Harvester by John Bellany
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
As part of the current exhibition of formative and lesser-known works by renowned Scottish artist John Bellany HRSA, on display in Haddington, visitors now have the chance to see live conservation work taking place on one of his paintings.
The Harvester is a highlight of the exhibition – an exceptional work that departs from Bellany’s typical style. Once displayed at the now demolished Chesser House in Edinburgh, the painting later hung in a stairwell at Brunton Hall, Musselburgh.
After years out of public view, the painting has been displayed in the exhibition but it looks a little unusual because it requires conservation. To start this process, the artwork has been removed from its frame and covered in a protective layer to prevent paint loss.
Visitors will be able to watch live conservation work in the gallery as professional conservator Owen Davison (The Conservation Studio, Edinburgh) begins essential treatment.
This work will include:
– Stabilising fragile and damaged paint layers
– Carefully cleaning the surface
– Repairing and retouching areas of loss and damage
– Restoring and refitting the original frame
The first two live conservation days, Thursday 9 and Thursday 23 July, will allow visitors to meet the conservator, ask questions and gain insight into the fascinating process of preserving artworks. Look out for more dates being announced over the summer.
East Lothian Council Museums Service is currently fundraising to complete this vital conservation work. Thanks to generous donations and internal funding, the first three days of treatment are secured, but further support is needed.
Visitors who wish to contribute can donate at the museum desk and play a part in restoring this important painting for future generations.
Presented in partnership with the Royal Scottish Academy (RSA) as part of its flagship RSA200: Celebrating Together programme, the exhibition was curated by Helen Bellany (the late artist’s wife) and Alexander Moffat RSA, two figures who knew the artist personally, offering a deeply insightful and intimate perspective on Bellany’s life and work.
Born in Port Seton in 1942, Bellany became one of the most significant figures in 20th-century Scottish art, achieving international recognition for his bold, emotionally charged paintings. His enduring connection to Scotland’s east coast fishing communities shaped his distinctive visual language and this exhibition brings his work powerfully back to the landscapes and heritage that inspired him.
The exhibition features works from the Bellany estate, the private collection of Alexander Moffat RSA, the East Lothian Council collection, and major loans from the Royal Scottish Academy. Many of these pieces have never been publicly exhibited, offering visitors a rare chance to encounter Bellany’s early and lesser known works alongside striking large-scale paintings.
The exhibition is on at the John Gray Centre Museum, 15 Lodge Street, Haddington EH41 3DX, from now until Saturday 19 September. Opening hours:
– Thursday & Friday: 10am–1pm, 2pm–5pm
– Saturday: 10am–1pm, 1:30pm–4pm
*Conservation work on Thurdsay 9 and Thursday 23 July will finish at 4pm
A programme of talks, events and special activities will run alongside the exhibition—visit the John Gray Centre website and social media for the latest updates.
Cabinet Spokesperson for Community Wellbeing and Sport, Countryside and Leisure, Councillor Colin McGinn, said:
“Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the powerful work of John Bellany, discover rarely seen pieces, and witness art conservation happening live! Whilst we have been able to fund part of the conservation work from our existing budget, we have been really grateful for donations received so far to support this conservation work and will continue to explore grant funding options. Any further donations will be hugely important in preserving this unique work for future generations.”
Tweet Share on FacebookNews
