The Maclaurin Art Gallery News

Spring Vibes

The Maclaurin Gallery • May 12, 2025

Spring has been busy in the gallery with the launching of Glasgow Society of Women Artists' annual exhibition. Well known art critic Clare Henry, who was judging for the event, also presented the numerous awards at the launch. This exhibition fills galleries 3 and 4, with a wide range of hanging artwork, as well as jewellery and 3D works.


At the same time, Alistair Devine, freelance photographer for the press, gives us some of his finest work in gallery 2, throughout his longstanding career in the industry. He treated us to an evening event, giving guests a highly entertaining insight into his career. This man’s award-winning photography clearly demonstrates his passion for creativity.


Both exhibitions run until Sunday 8 June. There’s still time to see them before they go!

Coming soon, we have a solo exhibition from Scottish artist Lex McFadyen. Lex now creates work from his home and studio in France, but has roots here in Ayrshire and we are delighted to see him return to where he grew up, bringing with him a vibrant collection of new work. The artwork from this exhibition can also be viewed on our website. Flower Kings and Nobles, from 25 May.

Lined up for early summer is an exhibition displaying some significant artworks of the late John Byrne, Scottish playwright, screenwriter, artist and designer.


Symbolic works with some historic influence from Scottish artist Frank McNab will also adorn our walls in July.

RSA200: Celebrating Together Opening

By The Maclaurin Gallery • July 3, 2026
There was a huge amount of preparation for these two exceptional exhibitions, celebrating RSA200 years and we enjoyed a joint launch event, kindly opened by Councillor Alec Clark, Portfolio holder for Tourism and Culture, along with Gallery Engagement Officer Erin Crossan and Trustee Michael Clark. In addition to the RSA200 shows, Michael and Ian McNicol got together and curated the excellent PRINTMAKING: A RECENT HISTORY exhibition which is hanging in gallery one. Using the words of Dianne Gardner, we have 3 exhibitions for Ayrshire and a real spirit of cooperation in the making. Call in and see these special shows, here throughout the summer. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see selected works from the Maclaurin and South Ayrshire Council’s permanent collections, enhanced with fabulous artwork on loan from the Royal Scottish Academy. Guest RSA artists include Bronwen Sleigh, Ade Adesina and Frances Walker.

Well Connected: The Royal Scottish Academy and The Maclaurin Collection

By The Maclaurin Gallery • May 28, 2026
Saturday 20 June - Sunday 30 August 2026 Founded in 1826, the Royal Scottish Academy supports art and architecture in Scotland. It is an independent, non-governmental institution, governed by Members to operate on a charitable basis.

Private View for Future Folklore: The Art and Craft of Storytelling

By The Maclaurin Gallery • March 31, 2026
We were delighted to host the Private View for Visual Arts Scotland on Saturday afternoon and what a turn out it was!  This exhibition FUTURE FOLKLORE: THE ART AND CRAFT OF STORYTELLING has over 300 pieces of contemporary art on display and, as a result, we also had a very busy Private View! The exhibition was opened by Chair of the Maclaurin Trust, John Walker, along with Amanda Airey, Trustee of Visual Arts Scotland. Visual Arts Scotland supports over 1400 artists and makers in and around Scotland and we are very fortunate that VAS brings this major show across to Ayrshire. Please take advantage of it being right here on your doorstep! As always, entry is free to the gallery and all artworks for sale. Keep an eye out for some of our Ayrshire artists taking part as well.