SMITHY GALLERY COLLECTION ONLINE

23 May - 27 July 2026

JOYCE GUNN CAIRNS MBE

Joyce Gunn Cairns was born in Edinburgh in 1948. She has become one of Scotland’s most highly respected artists, with nine works in the permanent collection of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, five works in the permanent collection of the City Art Centre, and works in other major collections including Balliol College, Oxford and Jesus College, Cambridge.

Drawing on her deep sensitivity and appreciation of literature, at the core of Gunn Cairns’ practice is expressive figurative work, including portraits and wildlife studies. From some of Scotland’s most eminent cultural figures to an otter or a dormouse, whatever the subject, Gunn Cairns draws them with the same delicacy of perception and appreciation.

She was awarded an MBE for services to the arts in the June 2004 Queen's Honours List.