More than 50 paintings and drawings collected over several years are now part of Scotland’s national art collection.

National Galleries Scotland has acquired 58 works by Scottish and British artists, with more than 20 now on display at Modern One in Edinburgh.

The collection includes works by William McCance, James Cowie, Edward Baird and William Crosbie, several of whom studied or taught at Scotland’s art schools in the early 20th century.

Charlie Nairn, who assembled the collection, said: “It’s a delight to know that these paintings and drawings, which I’ve known for so many years are now being looked after by the National Galleries of Scotland for the benefit of the public.”

The works were allocated to National Galleries Scotland through the HM Government Acceptance in Lieu scheme, which allows owners to transfer important works of art into public ownership instead of paying tax.

The collection also includes works by British artists Cecil Collins and John Tunnard, who were associated with the Surrealist movement.

National Galleries Scotland said the acquisition would help better represent modern Scottish artists in the national collection and highlight the role of Scotland’s art schools in the development of 20th-century art.

Lucy Askew, head of Modern & Contemporary Art and chief curator at National Galleries Scotland, said: “This extraordinary gift to the people of Scotland significantly enhances how we can show and share the work of an important group of artists.”

She added: “We are incredibly grateful to HM Government and to Charlie Nairn for enabling these wonderful works to join the national art collection here in Scotland where they can be enjoyed by visitors and contribute to further research into modern Scottish and British history of art.”

Among the works on display is James Cowie’s The Reader, painted in the early 1920s and depicting his first wife, Nancy Buchanan.

William Crosbie’s Design for Life (Cats Cradle), painted in 1944, is also included.

The work depicts Crosbie balancing geometric forms suspended on strings, with the letters ‘J M’ referencing Surrealist painter Joan Miró.

Dawn Airey, chair of Arts Council England, said: “Giving back to the public through Acceptance in Lieu is one of the most valuable offers that can be made to the nation.”

She added: “With more than 50 culturally important works now secured for the public to enjoy, this is a lasting legacy that Charlie Nairn can be proud to have created.”

The selection is now on display at National Galleries Scotland: Modern One and is free to visit.

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