The Cats of Elizabeth Blackadder


Well, Norman and I just love these paintings….

Dame Elizabeth Blackadder RA was born on 24 September 1931 in Falkirk, Stirlingshire, Scotland, United Kingdom. She trained at Edinburgh University and Edinburgh College of Art (ECA).

Fred on top of cupboard

Fred on top of cupboard
Photograph Copyright: Elizabeth Blackadder

Her early work was influenced by the Scottist Colourist Joseph Crawhall and her teacher, William Gillies. In 1954 she travelled to Yugoslavia, Greece and Italy after receiving the Carnegie Travelling Scholarship.

Kikko on a rug

Kikko on a rug
Photograph Copyright: Elizabeth Blackadder

At the time of writing Elizabeth is still travelling widely for exhibitions throughout the world. From 1956 to 1986 she taught at ECA.

Venice Cats

Venice Cats
Photograph Copyright: Elizabeth Blackadder

Her signature subjects include landscapes, cats, flowers, still-lifes and portraits.
Blackadder’s work is based in the traditions of the Edinburgh School, but is strongly influenced by Japanese aesthetics.


Amelia Sleeping

Amelia Sleeping
Photograph Copyright: Elizabeth Blackadder

Characteristically, she carefully arranges objects in a shallow pictorial space to create intriguing and subtly decorative images.


siemese cat painting

Siemese Cat
Photograph Copyright: Elizabeth Blackadder DBE, RWA, RA, RSA, RSW
Dame Elizabeth Blackadder

Dame Elizabeth Blackadder DBE, RWA, RA, RSA, RSW, in her studio, November 2010
Photograph Copyright: The Scottish Gallery