A remarkable collection of more than 300 artworks and personal belongings of the influential Victorian painter John Everett Millais and his wife, Effie Gray, is now on long-term loan to the Perth Art Gallery in Scotland. This extensive archive, which has remained unseen by the public for over 30 years, offers a rich and intimate glimpse into the lives and artistic journeys of one of the founding members of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.
Born in Southampton in 1829, John Everett Millais is celebrated as one of the most prominent painters of the 19th century. Among his most famous works is Ophelia (1851-52), an iconic masterpiece that has shaped perceptions of Victorian womanhood and Shakespearean heroines. His artistic legacy combines innovation with commercial success, spanning portraiture, landscape, Realism, and Aestheticism.
The collection, donated by Millais and Effie's great-grandson, Sir Geoffroy Millais, includes a wide array of items such as early drawings created by Millais when he was just seven years old. It also features oil paintings, personal letters, brushes, palettes, and family heirlooms including jewellery belonging to Effie Gray, a native of Perthshire, Scotland. This long-term loan to Perth Art Gallery honors her roots and marks a symbolic homecoming for the couple’s legacy.
Effie Gray’s story, famously intertwined with Millais and complicated by her previous marriage to art critic John Ruskin, captivates historians and the public alike. Their dramatic narrative, involving an annulment and subsequent marriage, has inspired numerous dramas and films, including the 2014 movie Effie Gray, produced by Emma Thompson. The collection enhances this story by including intimate portraits and personal artifacts.
Helen Smout, Chief Executive of Culture Perth and Kinross, expressed pride in acquiring such an important collection and called the event transformative for the region’s cultural scene. The public will be able to view selected pieces from the collection free of charge from July 25, 2025. Notable exhibits include the 1873 Portrait of Effie Millais, Waking (Just Awake) (1865), and other works emphasizing Millais' connection to Perthshire.
Visitors will encounter over 19 oil paintings and 150 works on paper, alongside personal letters and objects that reveal the private life of Millais and Effie. This exhibition offers a comprehensive portrait of these pivotal figures in British art and culture, with their legacy preserved through the dedication of their descendants.
This rare opportunity at Perth Art Gallery truly celebrates the enduring influence of Millais and Effie Gray, positioning the exhibition as a landmark event in Scotland’s cultural calendar and the broader art world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who was John Everett Millais?
A: A founding member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, Millais was a Victorian painter known for iconic works like Ophelia (1851-52).
Q: Why is Effie Gray significant?
A: Effie Gray was Millais' wife, previously married to art critic John Ruskin; their story has been widely dramatized and provides context to Millais' life and art.
Q: What does the collection include?
A: The collection features over 300 items such as Millais' early sketches, oil paintings, personal letters, art tools, and Effie Gray’s jewellery.
Q: Where and when can the public see the exhibition?
A: The exhibition opens at Perth Art Gallery on July 25, 2025, with free public access to selected works.
Q: Why is the collection displayed in Perth?
A: Perth is Effie Gray’s birthplace, making the display a cultural homecoming and honoring their connection to the region.
Q: What notable paintings are included?
A: Highlights include Waking (Just Awake) (1865) and Portrait of Effie Millais (1873), reflecting Millais’ Scottish connections.
This exhibition at Perth Art Gallery offers a unique window into the artistic legacy of John Everett Millais and Effie Gray, celebrating their contributions to British cultural history and the art world.
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