A new work by third year BA (Hons) Fine Art student, Ella Williams, is to be permanently displayed at the InterContinental Edinburgh The George Hotel.

Studies from Ferrier's The Inheritance was selected as the winning commission from a number of ECA students’ submissions, following a competitive process, in celebration of one of the city’s great literary figures. Ferrier wrote stories which gave in-depth, fascinating accounts of Scottish life and Edinburgh society, and presented honest views for the time, particularly on the consequences of poor education for women. She was more successful in the early 19th century than her well-known contemporary, Jane Austen, having sold more books in her lifetime. However, she’s not well known in the 21st century.

She once lived in the townhouse on George Street now occupied by the hotel, and the new artwork will be displayed in the hotel lounge over the summer, before moving to a permanent home in its new Ferrier Suite. 

The commission marks the bicentenary of publication of Ferrier’s novel The Inheritance. The work features a collection of smaller narrative paintings that portray key elements and scenes from the novel, focusing on Ferrier’s critique of marriage. The paintings also reference Ferrier’s connection to Edinburgh, and specifically the building now occupied by the hotel. 

The collected images seek to imply a narrative while remaining ambiguous to inspire curiosity amongst its audience about Ferrier’s work. Williams’ intention was to illustrate the novel’s protagonist, Gertrude St. Clair, and her journey, largely through symbolism, representing the strong female character navigating the constraints of the period setting. Leaning into aspects of romantic imagery, Williams was intrigued by Ferrier’s use of the romance genre as a subversive means to comment on the position of women in society. The figurative paintings are framed to exclude the faces of each subject, avoiding too literal an interpretation of the characters and allowing the viewers imagination to take precedence, deciding if Ferrier or Gertrude in the subject.

Head of Art at ECA, Susan Mowatt, said: “Ella Williams’ artwork is a testament to the talent and creativity nurtured at our institution. We are proud to support initiatives that connect our students with the community and celebrate our city’s historical figures.”

Jonathan Dawson, General Manager at InterContinental Edinburgh The George Hotel, said: “We are thrilled to showcase Ella Williams’ stunning piece within the hotel. Her work not only honours Susan Ferrier’s literary achievements but adds another piece to our already rich cultural heritage. This partnership with Edinburgh College of Art has been incredibly rewarding, and we looking forward to seeing how Ella’s work will inspire our guests.”

As well as seeing her work hung in the hotel, Ella received a purchase price of £3,500 for her artwork, an overnight stay in the Ferrier Suite and dinner in the hotel’s restaurant.

Runners-up included Chengyi Xu Xu and Amy Sema who each won an overnight stay and dinner.