Rob Hain's Painting of Perth

Rob Hain Captures Perth’s Spirit in Trademark Style

Rob Hain has been inspired by the Royal Scottish Geographical Society (RSGS) to capture the city of Perth in his trademark bright and quirky style.

Rob decided to paint the city after a meeting with Mike Robinson, Chief Executive of RSGS who are based in Perth’s oldest secular building the distinctive Fair Maid’s House.

Speaking about his work to capture Perth’s personality, Rob said:

“When I was initially contacted by the Chief Executive, Mike Robinson, at the Royal Scottish Geographical Society to paint the city of Perth, I thought it a mountain too difficult to climb. Mike persisted however and invited me to their HQ based in The Fair Maid’s House. After a guided tour of the oldest residence in Perth, which concluded in the magical ‘Explorer’s Room’, I was completely won over and set about the task. Three days were spent familiarising myself with the city, taking photographs and sketching a few notes, before I returned to the Wasps Studios in Selkirk to commence work on the canvas.

“Finding a suitable angle which included all the significant buildings in the city proved to be quite difficult, as I had previously feared. Then I realised that the Tay has a natural curve that embraces Perth. Everything seemed to slot into place after that. There are many fine buildings, as well as some challenging but necessary new ones to be incorporated. But a city isn’t just about its buildings, however grand they may appear. The soul of Perth is to be found in its people; whether it’s the Kilt Run or the Tay Descent or some other equally exhausting event, the people of Perth seem up for it!”

Rob has certainly managed to capture the soul of Perth with many miniature vignettes hidden within the painting from the Tay Descent to bee hives on top of the concert hall to Paco’s Ice Cream parlour and Perth’s ‘Scooter Granny’.

Mike Robinson, RSGS Chief Executive, said: “I absolutely love this painting it represents a really dynamic, exciting and colourful vision of Perth by picking up on lots of real people and places.  I sincerely hope that people take it to their hearts and buy a copy.”

Rob’s painting will be unveiled at RSGS HQ, The Fair Maid’s House, at a private event on Wednesday night. The original painting is still available to buy (£7,500) as are a limited edition run of prints for £250 (120cm x 80cm) and £120 (60cm x 40cm). Seventy-five percent of the proceeds from the sale of the prints go to RSGS.  Everyone is invited to come and view Rob’s new painting as well as a collection of his other images in an exhibition at RSGS HQ, Fair Maid’s House, 15-19 North Port from Thursday 27^th July, normal opening times are Tue-Sat, 1300 – 1630.  The exhibition will run until the end of August. For more information please contact RSGS on 01738 455 050.

Can you spot the following people/places/events in Rob’s painting?

The Kilt Run

The Tay Descent

The Dragon Boat Race

Bee Hives

An Explorer

Three Ninjas

People carrying pizzas

Perth’s Sculpture Trail

St Matthew’s Minister

The Air Ambulance

The Ship Inn

RSGS HQ, The Fair Maid’s House

The Virgin Hot Air Balloon

Wild swimmers

A Golfer