Hospitalfield

A range of contemporary artists' studios set in the historic studio-home of Victorian artist Patrick Allan-Fraser (1812-1890).

The site at Hospitalfield dates back to 1260, when a hospital was built to support the local Benedictine Abbey. From 1664-1890 it was in the hands of the Fraser family, and ultimately of Elizabeth Fraser, who married the artist Patrick Allan in 1843. Patrick Allan Fraser and Elizabeth Fraser set about remodelling the house to an Arts & Crafts design, which included the addition of a Picture Gallery to house their collection of contemporary art. After Elizabeth Fraser's death in 1873, Patrick Allan Fraser began constructing an elaborately carved Mortuary Chapel for the couple, which can still be seen nearby.

Under the terms of the couple's will, Hospitalfield was established in trust to support contemporary artists and arts education. In 1902, Hospitalfield opened as a residential art school, before becoming a postgraduate art school in 1920. Notable alumni from this period include Scottish Modern painters such as James Cowie, Robert Colquhoun, Robert MacBryde and Joan Eardley. Today, Hospitalfield remains a vibrant centre for contemporary arts, running a residency and summer school programme, a study centre and four public projects a year, which includes new commissions. The historic garden and interiors established in the time of the Frasers remain open to the public via regular tours, providing access to Hospitalfield's significant collection of primarily Victorian art.