Nell Baxter and Dundee’s Celtic Revival

Dundee-born artist and designer Nell Baxter (later known as Helen Kippen) played a key part in an extraordinary cultural movement at the end of the 19th century known as the Celtic Revival, which sought to reconnect to Scotland’s ancient past through art, literature and music. Dundee played a vital role in this movement, not least as the meeting place of its two central figures, botanist and polymath Patrick Geddes and painter John Duncan. Baxter joined them to work on various projects in Edinburgh before returning to Dundee to become part of a growing decorative arts community in the city.

This exhibition marks the 150th anniversary of Baxter’s birth, placing her in the wider context of Dundee’s role in the Celtic Revival. It showcases never-before-seen designs by her along with work by her Dundee contemporaries including John Duncan, Stewart Carmichael and George Dutch Davidson. It also features contemporary artworks inspired by the Celtic Revival and embroideries made by the Dundee Stitch & Textile Group based on Nell's designs.

Exhibition open 9 November 2024 - 8 February 2025 (closed for Christmas 21 Dec – 5 Jan). 

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9.30am-7pm, Sat 11am-4pm. Please note that earlier closing hours may apply on weekdays during the winter vacation. We advise arriving no later than 5pm.

Special Event - On Tuesday 10 December at 5.30pm, Curator Matthew Jarron will give an illustrated talk about Rediscovering Nell Baxter and Dundee's Celtic Revival.

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