A new exhibition in England's West Country is telling the remarkable story of William Scott, one of Britain's pioneering abstract painters, and his extraordinary encounter with American art legend Mark Rothko. The Museum of Somerset in Taunton is now displaying three large-scale paintings by Scott (1913-1989), on loan from the prestigious Tate collection, in an area not far from where the artist once lived and worked in the countryside south of Bath.
The exhibition, titled "Beauty in Plainness – William Scott in Somerset," takes its name from Scott's own philosophy: "I find beauty in plainness." Visitors will discover how this British artist found inspiration in everyday, ordinary objects and transformed them into extraordinary abstract works. The three featured paintings were created during the height of Scott's career in the late 1950s, a period when he had reached full confidence in his artistic vision and technique.
Tim Martin, the exhibition's curator, explained that this represents a unique opportunity to view Scott's paintings in a location that held deep personal significance for the artist. "The three works were painted at the height of Scott's career in the late 1950s, when he was very confident in what he was doing," Martin noted. The displayed works include "Ochre Still Life," which features pots and pans as its subject matter, and "Black Painting," which may represent an abstract interpretation of stone walls.
The exhibition also highlights a pivotal moment in art history when two masters of abstract art met in the English countryside. Scott first encountered Rothko in New York during the early 1950s, where he was amazed by the scale and ambition of the abstract expressionist movement. "He was shocked at the kind of size and the scope of some of the abstract expressionist works being produced in New York," Martin explained. The two artists developed a strong friendship, leading to Rothko's memorable 1959 visit to Somerset, where he stayed with Scott and his family.
During Rothko's visit to the West Country, the two artists engaged in deep discussions about their respective mural projects. Scott was working on a large-scale mural for the entrance hall of Altnagelvin Area Hospital in Derry, Northern Ireland. When this abstract piece was finally unveiled before a large invited audience, it reportedly met with "horrified silence," demonstrating the challenging reception that abstract art often faced in public spaces during that era.
Meanwhile, Rothko was simultaneously working on his famous murals for a restaurant in New York's Seagram Building. In a fascinating turn of events, Rothko's experience during his Somerset visit apparently influenced his perspective on the commission. After returning from the West Country, Rothko made the significant decision to withdraw from the restaurant project, feeling that the exclusive environment was inappropriate for his artworks. He subsequently donated nine canvases from the series to the Tate, where they remain part of the permanent collection today.
The exhibition provides visitors with a rare glimpse into both the personal relationship between these two influential artists and the broader context of abstract art's development during the mid-20th century. A historical photograph from 1959 showing William Scott and Mark Rothko together in Somerset serves as a visual testament to this significant artistic encounter.
The exhibition will run from November 15 through February 7, 2026, giving art enthusiasts an extended opportunity to experience these important works in their historical context. Additionally, Tim Martin will present a special preview talk about Scott's life and artistic career at the Museum of Somerset on Friday, November 14, at 2:30 PM. Those interested in attending the preview talk must make advance reservations, as seating is limited for this special event.
