Ian Hamilton Finlay and the French Revolution

Finlay became known from the late 1950s for his poetry but in the 1960s his output expanded to include the production of prints and three-dimensional works of art in stone, metal, neon and glass, which he produced in collaboration with various craftspeople. He also became a dedicated gardener, developing a conceptual garden at his remote home on the edge of the Pentland Hills, southwest of Edinburgh, which incorporated many of his works of art. He named his garden Little Sparta after the ancient Greek city, a militaristic rival to Athens, reflecting his deep interest in classical history.

In the 1980s, Finlay's interest in the French Revolution began to dominate his work. He was fascinated by revolutions and ruptures, and how high ideals could easily lead to violence and corruption. The 12 prints in this display, made between 1984 and 1992, formed part of Finlay's engagement with the French Revolution as a subject. They were from a group of 26 prints donated in 2025 by Prof Stephen Bann, an art historian who has written extensively on Finlay and who corresponded with the artist for many years.