Queen Camilla has described her first visit to Scotland's national academy of art as the 'first of many', while suggesting that King Charles could bring some of his personal paintings to Edinburgh. The monarch made the remarks during a visit to the Royal Scottish Academy (RSA) in Edinburgh, part of the start of Royal Week.
Jokes About Painting Talent
Camilla joked that she 'didn't have the talent' of her husband Charles or her late father-in-law, Prince Philip, to paint, but said she 'did try very badly'. She added that she enjoys looking at artwork by others. The Queen was shown artworks from Scottish artists as part of the exhibition 'Chaos and Control: Printmaking in Scotland Now'.
To celebrate the RSA's 200th anniversary, Camilla cut a cake she described as 'beautiful' and signed the visitors' book. She expressed pride in being patron of the Friends of the Royal Scottish Academy and hoped to return, saying: 'I know you've got wonderful collections here that I would absolutely come and have a look at.'
Possibility of King's Paintings
Gareth Fisher, president of the RSA, said the gallery would 'love to' have one of the King's landscapes of Scotland. The Queen replied, 'I shall mention it to him.' She added: 'I hope one of these days perhaps we could bring a few of his paintings here.'
Exhibiting artist Aoife Cawley, whose screen-printing work was inspired by a scholarship in Florence, described meeting the Queen as 'surreal' and 'a bit mad'. She told the Press Association: 'She was real sound, she was real nice, really interested in the work, and she was nice to chat to her.'
Artist Receives Cake Slice
Kate Downie, who created the commemorative etching of the RSA building for the anniversary, received the slice of cake cut by Camilla. She told PA it was a 'really special' moment and that the cake 'tastes delicious'.
Colin Greenslade, director of the RSA, said the organisation has 'always had a close connection with the royal household'. He noted that the Queen asked 'lots of interesting questions' and was interested in artists at different career stages. He expressed hope that the visit would be the 'first of many'.
Royal Week Begins
Royal Week kicked off earlier with the traditional Ceremony of the Keys at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where the King was presented with the keys to Edinburgh, which he returned for safekeeping.
