Exhibition of Dunfermline artist's work opens to the public

ARTWORK by an eminent Victorian painter who grew up in Dunfermline have been brought together for a major retrospective in his home city.

Joseph Noël Paton: An Artist’s Life exhibition opened to the public on Saturday, September 14 at Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries (DCLG).

The exhibition features more than 50 oil paintings, drawings, and engravings including sketches of Queen Victoria and her children, which were drawn soon after Prince Albert’s death.

A miniature model of Wooers' Alley Cottage, by artist Bricks & Bones is on display. (Image: David Wardle) As previously reported in the Press, Sir Joseph Noël Paton came from a prominent family where two of his siblings Amelia Robertson Hill, née Paton, and their younger brother Waller Hugh Paton, were also artists in their own right.

READ MORE: Works by Queen Victoria’s favourite artist to go on show in Dunfermline

Their father, Joseph Neil Paton was a damask designer, and they lived in a house called Wooers’ Alley Cottage.

The spot the house sat on is now situated in the woods close to Tesco Fire Station, but the house was demolished back in the 1920s.

Entry to the exhibition is free. (Image: David Wardle) Cat Berry, the great-great granddaughter of Sir Joseph Noël Paton has been heavily involved with the Patons of Dunfermline group, which are devoted to research and education on the work of the family.

She commented: “The exhibition is looking amazing and our heartfelt thanks go to curator Lesley Lettice. Many thanks also to the RSA (Royal Scottish Academy), the Kelvingrove, members of the Paton family and others who have so generously lent pieces for this exhibition.

READ MORE: Joseph Noël Paton’s sketches on display in Edinburgh

“It is wonderful to be able to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Sir Noël Paton – Scotland’s National Painter of the 19th century – in his home town of Dunfermline.”

Exhibition curator Lesley-Anne Lettice says the retrospective provides a unique insight into Noel Paton as an artist and as a man. (Image: David Wardle) Outstanding loans at the exhibition include The Fairy Raid from Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Dawn: Luther at Erfurt from the National Gallery of Scotland, and Queen Margaret and Malcolm Canmore from Dunfermline Carnegie Trust.

Exhibition curator Lesley-Anne Lettice says the retrospective provides a unique insight into Noel Paton as an artist and as a man.

She said: “This is a celebration of a hugely diverse career and its influences – Paton’s family, friends and upbringing all found expression in his work.”

Visitors can see Paton’s work until February 9, 2025, admission is free.