PAINTINGS from Borders artist Anne Redpath are to be included in a multimillion-pound extension to the National Galleries of Scotland which will open to the public in September.

Redpath was born in Galashiels but moved to Hawick aged six. After attending Hawick High School she attended Edinburgh College of Art in 1913.

In 1920 she married and moved to France, devoting much of the next fourteen years to her family and doing little painting.

In the mid-1930s she returned to Scotland, settling in Hawick in the Borders. Redpath admired the French Post-Impressionist artists, such as Van Gogh and Gauguin, and also Matisse.

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From the 1950s, she became well known in the Scottish art world, specialising in landscapes, church interiors and still lifes painted in rich colours.

The daughter of a tweed designer she saw a connection between his use of colour and her own stating: “. "I do with a spot of red or yellow in a harmony of grey, what my father did in his tweed."

In 1955 she was awarded an OBE for her work as "Artist" and "Member of the Board of Management of the Edinburgh College of Art"

She died in Edinburgh in 1965 and there is a commemorative plaque on the house where she lived and entertained at 7 London Street.

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The £38.6 million extension, to the National Galleries of Scotland adjoining the East Princes Street Gardens, will include pieces by pioneering Scottish artists such as Redpath, William McTaggart, Phoebe Anna Traquair, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Glasgow Boys.

The Scottish Government contributed £15.25m to the project, with £6.89m coming from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the rest through a fundraising campaign.

National Galleries of Scotland director-general Sir John Leighton said: “This project has been driven by an ambition to transform the experience of visiting the National and to show the extraordinary collections of Scottish art with pride in beautiful, new, light-filled spaces.

“We believe that we have created a National Gallery that is more open, engaging and inviting than ever before.

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“Whether immersing themselves in the highly romantic paintings of the Scottish Highlands, taking part in a family day or just enjoying the views, all are welcome to come and discover.

“We are incredibly grateful to all our funders including the Scottish Government, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, key trusts and foundations, our patrons, American patrons and friends as well as the many private individuals and donors who have been so generous in supporting this project.”

Culture minister Christina McKelvie said: “The National Galleries of Scotland has the world’s finest collection of Scottish art and I’m delighted that the new galleries will now have space to show this off to a wide national and international public.

“We have supported this redevelopment project from the start with a significant contribution of £15.25 million and it’s wonderful to see this will open soon so the public can enjoy these new galleries.”

National Lottery Heritage Fund chief executive Eilish McGuinness said: “We are proud to have been part of the transformation of the National, which has been a source of inspiration and learning for over 150 years and holds a special place in the hearts of the Scottish people, and throughout the UK.

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“Thanks to players of the National Lottery we have supported the project with a £6.89 million grant, from its earliest stages of planning, developing ideas and working with the team in delivering this complex and imaginative project.

“It’s exciting news that it’s now set to open its doors, inspiring generations to come by offering a new perspective, doubling the gallery’s exhibition space, and improving access to its renowned collection of Scottish art.”