And another, discrete but highly influential arts catalyst has
also died, aged 95. David Drummond, Earl of Perth worked assiduously
behind the scenes to bring about major windfalls to the world of
art and culture. The present National Gallery of Modern Art, in
Edinburgh, through Perth’s intervention as a Crown Estates Commissioner
in the late 1970s, is lodged in the former John Watson’s School
in Edinburgh, and on moving into this fine neo-classical building
has expanded massively. The alternative site was a deplorable Property
Services Agency design near St Andrew’s Square in Edinburgh. Quick
footwork by the financially astute Perth made the alternative building
happen. Central Edinburgh avoided a ‘carbunkle’ designed by civil
servants. Behind David Perth’s handsome, pale blue eyes lay a steely
perfectionism. In the Museum of Scotland competition, he and Lord
Bute, descendants of the historical Stuart ascendancy, avoided any
tinkering, National Gallery-like, from august personages forth of
Scotland, and plumped for a highly distinguished short list. Perth
preserved composure of impressive non-involvement, when questioned
by press. And yet, those blue eyes faintly twinkled. Perth leaves
the scene, like Robertson, only remotely acknowledged. But his reputation
was unassailable.
