The critically-acclaimed exhibition, 'Doves and Dreams', is the first to be devoted to the work of the artist-couple, Frances Macdonald (1873-1921) and J Herbert McNair (1868-1955). Together with Frances's sister Margaret Macdonald and Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the artists formed the celebrated group, the 'Glasgow Four', in Glasgow in the 1890s.

Until now, the McNairs have been investigated as an adjunct to Mackintosh, Margaret Macdonald, and the Glasgow Style, while their years in Liverpool, from 1898 to 1908, have been little explored.

This pioneering exhibition highlights, for the first time, their distinctive and original contribution: McNair, the innovative and inspirational designer and teacher, and Macdonald, an exceptional talent who produced some of the most remarkable symbolist watercolours of the 20th century in Britain. Their art is seen against the backdrop of their often tragic personal stories in Glasgow and Liverpool.

Supporting events at the Hunterian include a complementary display of work by Margaret Macdonald, Frances Macdonald's sister and artistic collaborator, as well as lectures, talks and tours, activities for children and schools and the launch of an online catalogue of the Hunterian's world-renowned Mackintosh Collection ﾖ see www.huntsearch.gla.ac.ukhuntsearch

Of particular interest was the specially-commissioned monologue, 'When the Moon was Overhead', based on the life of Frances Macdonald, and performed in the Gallery during September. The monologue, written by Allan Radcliffe, directed by Liam Hurley, and performed by Kirstin Coulter-Smith, presented Macdonald in 1914, alone in Glasgow, reflecting on her life and art.

The exhibition has been curated by Professor Pamela Robertson, of the Hunterian Art Gallery, one of the foremost experts on the 'Glasgow Four', and is accompanied by a richly illustrated book, edited by Professor Robertson, with essays by leading scholars.

The exhibition is a collaborative partnership with the National Museums Liverpool, and will be shown at The Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool (27 January - 22 April 2007) as part of its build-up to Liverpool Capital of Culture 2008.

'Doves and Dreams' is at the Hunterian Art Gallery, 12 August - 18 November 2006; Mon ﾖ Sat 9.30 ﾖ 5.00pm. For further information, visit Hunterian

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First published: 3 November 2006