Sometimes referred to as an ’embassy for Scottish art’, The Fleming Collection in London’s Mayfair is reputedly the most significant collection of Scottish art in private hands, comprising over 750 oils and watercolours from 1770 to the present. There are Raeburns, McTaggarts, works by the Glasgow Boys and the Colourists – including the Cadell above – and an ongoing programme of acquisitions focuses in particular on young Scottish artists.

The Collection’s Berkeley Street gallery is currently playing host to Made in Scotland, a selling exhibition of work by contemporary Scottish makers. Among the works are tapestry by Sara Brennan (above) and silver bowls by acclaimed silversmith Malcolm Appleby (below).  The exhibition runs until 2 June.

The Collection started in in 1968 when Flemings. a former merchant bank, moved into a new London office with bare walls just begging to be graced with works of art. David Donald, one of the Directors, suggested that, in honour the firm’s Dundonian roots, all paintings acquired be by Scottish artists or of Scottish scenes. Following the sale of the bank in 2000, the Collection was sold to the Fleming-Wychbold Art Foundation and opened to the public in 2002.  The Collection now has two galleries, one showing the permanent collection and the other temporary exhibitions. It hosts regular events and tours and the space can be hired as a venue. Admission is £3.50 for  adults while students and children go free. The Fleming Collection is open from Tuesday to Saturday 10-5-.30 but closes for rehanging between exhibitions.