Monarchs from George III onward have collected works by Scottish artists — paintings and drawings that now form a distinct group within the Royal Collection, and provide a fascinating way to explore developments in both British artistic styles and in royal patronage.

The works in this book provide evidence of what, in 1843, the painter Sir David called ‘the taste for art’ in Scottish culture, and highlight the influence and importance, both internationally and at home, of artists such as Allan Ramsay, who was born and trained in Edinburgh and become painter to the King, and later figures such as Sir Francis Grant, David Roberts, John Phillip, Alexander Nasmyth, and James Giles.