An exhibition titled 'The Life and Art of David Barrogill Keith' will open on June 6, 2026, at the North Coast Visitor Centre in Thurso, Scotland. The show celebrates the work of local artist David Barrogill Keith (1891-1979), who trained as a lawyer before studying painting in Paris and Edinburgh, served in World War I, and later became a solicitor and sheriff-substitute while maintaining a prolific painting career. Curated by High Life Highland’s archive service at Nucleus in collaboration with collector Robert Maitland, the exhibition features original artworks, archival materials, and personal items from Keith’s family archives.
This exhibition matters because it highlights the life of a lesser-known but locally revered artist whose work remains widely distributed in homes across Caithness. It underscores the role of regional archives and community collectors in preserving artistic heritage that might otherwise be overlooked by major institutions. The show also illustrates how individuals with demanding professional careers can sustain significant creative output, offering a model of lifelong artistic dedication.