Peter Doig and the prints at National Galleries Scotland
Published on 08/21/2026 at 10:02 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Peter Doig has become a key figure in how major museums collect contemporary painting and printmaking. A February 2026 acquisition of 67 prints by National Galleries Scotland anchors his work in Edinburgh’s public collection, as the museum states in its announcement.
Prints entering Edinburgh’s collection
National Galleries Scotland announced on February 16, 2026 that it had acquired 67 prints by Peter Doig, describing it as its largest ever print acquisition by a living artist. One edition of all future Doig prints is also committed to the national collection, according to the museum.
To mark the acquisition, a selection of these prints went on public display at National Galleries Scotland: Modern One in Edinburgh from February 14, 2026, giving visitors free access to Doig’s print work alongside the institution’s modern collection. The museum positions the acquisition as a long term commitment to his practice, focusing on works made across different periods.
Peter Doig in public collections
Beyond Edinburgh, Peter Doig’s paintings and works on paper are held by major museums such as Tate in London, MoMA in New York, Centre Pompidou in Paris and the National Galleries of Scotland. These holdings show how his work moved from early recognition in the 1990s into sustained institutional presence.
Tate Britain’s past survey of Doig’s work, which gathered over 50 paintings and works on paper spanning the last two decades, highlighted recurring motifs such as lone figures, snow scenes and tropical landscapes. These collections frame Doig within a lineage of figurative painters who use memory and cinema as material.
All news and background on Peter Doig
Further reports on Peter Doig’s exhibitions, auction results and museum holdings are available in the AD HOC NEWS archive.
The work core and materials
Peter Doig is known primarily for painting, often large scale works in oil on canvas where figures appear in densely layered landscapes, snow fields or waterside scenes. Prints and works on paper extend these motifs, translating his color decisions into etching, lithography and other techniques.
Where the artist stands now
Peter Doig’s institutional presence is anchored by major museum holdings and the 2026 National Galleries Scotland print acquisition, with no further museum dates in the strict 30 day window.
Peter Doig at a glance
- Artist: Peter Doig
- Medium / Genre: Painting and printmaking (figurative)
- Born: 1959, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Place(s) of practice: Studios in London and Trinidad
- Active since: Late 1980s, with wider recognition in the early 1990s
- Key work groups: Canoe paintings, Snow and ski scenes, Trinidad landscapes, Music influenced works
- Current/last exhibition: House of Music, Serpentine South Gallery, London (October 10, 2025 - February 8, 2026)
- Major collections: Tate (London), National Galleries Scotland (Edinburgh), Museum of Modern Art (New York), Centre Pompidou (Paris)
- Awards: John Moores Painting Prize, 1993
- Next date: currently no announced date in the 30 day window
Frequently asked questions about Peter Doig
Where can I see Peter Doig’s work in public collections?
Peter Doig’s paintings and prints are held by institutions including Tate in London, MoMA in New York, Centre Pompidou in Paris and National Galleries Scotland in Edinburgh, reflecting a broad institutional commitment to his practice.
What did National Galleries Scotland acquire from Peter Doig?
On February 16, 2026, National Galleries Scotland announced the acquisition of 67 Peter Doig prints and a commitment to receive one edition of all future prints, describing this as its largest print acquisition by a living artist.
Which themes recur in Peter Doig’s paintings and prints?
Doig often returns to motifs such as canoes on water, snowbound ski scenes, Caribbean architecture and music venues, using layered color and memory based imagery to build atmospheres that sit between landscape, cinema and dream.
This article was produced with a.i. support and editorially reviewed. All statements without guarantee; auction results, exhibition dates and awards may change at short notice.
