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7 works across 1 institution
Edinburgh's Scottish National Gallery holds 7 works by Thomas Gainsborough (1727–1788) — the city's entire known holding of this artist in a single institution.
Gainsborough was one of the great portrait and landscape painters of 18th-century England, whose fluid, elegant style was heavily influenced by the Flemish and Dutch masters. He worked in Suffolk, Bath, and London, where he became a founding member of the Royal Academy and the rival of Sir Joshua Reynolds.
Scottish National Gallery
Edinburgh · 7 works on display
The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square houses one of the world's great collections of Western European painting, from the 13th to the 19th century, with particular strength in the Dutch Golden Age and Impressionism. Entry to the permanent collection is free.
Portrait of Robert Thistlethwayte of Norman Court, standing full-length, wearing a red coat, green waistcoat and buff breaches, holding a can, leaning against a fence, a spaniel by his side
Scottish National Gallery
c. 1778
EdinburghWikidata
Portrait of Selina Thistlethwayte of Norman Court, full-length in blue and white dress
Scottish National Gallery
c. 1778
EdinburghWikidata
About the artist
Thomas Gainsborough
British · Rococo / Realism · 1727–1788
Gainsborough was one of the great portrait and landscape painters of 18th-century England, whose fluid, elegant style was heavily influenced by the Flemish and Dutch masters. He worked in Suffolk, Bath, and London, where he became a founding member of the Royal Academy and the rival of Sir Joshua Reynolds.
Key works
The Blue BoyMr and Mrs AndrewsPortrait of Sarah Siddons
Frequently asked questions
How many Thomas Gainsborough paintings are on display in Edinburgh?
Our current data shows 7 Thomas Gainsborough paintings on display in Edinburgh, spread across the Scottish National Gallery. Coverage is based on Wikidata records and may not reflect every work currently on display.
Which museum in Edinburgh has the most Thomas Gainsborough paintings?
Scottish National Gallery holds all 7 known Thomas Gainsborough works in Edinburgh.
Where else can I see Thomas Gainsborough's paintings?
Thomas Gainsborough's paintings are distributed across museums in multiple countries. Our artist page lists every city in our collection where their work is currently on display — use it to plan a multi-city trip or find works closer to home. Browse all cities for Thomas Gainsborough →
Planning your visit to Edinburgh
Edinburgh's Scottish National Gallery is in the city centre between the Old and New Towns, with an excellent collection that is free to enter. The Scottish National Museum of Modern Art is a 15-minute walk or short taxi from the centre. Edinburgh is very walkable but hilly — comfortable shoes are essential.
Artwork data sourced from Wikidata. Coverage varies — always confirm with the museum before visiting.