Our blog series continues, offering an insight into the project by Mina, our Collection Technician Apprentice. Welcome to the second blog post from the Collection Technicians!
Image: ‘Abstract Composition’, Colin Thoms, 1985.
This week’s post will focus on the painting ‘Abstract Composition’ by Colin Thoms. This painting was on display at this week’s Room for Art’s ‘Quiet Group’ workshop. ‘Quiet Group’ is a space for those who may prefer a less overwhelming space and facilitates a calming atmosphere that supports creativity.
Image: ‘Abstract Composition’ on display at Room for Art’s ‘Quiet Group’ workshop this week.
We have several Colin Thoms pieces in the collection. This is the most colourful. It’s interesting to think about what each symbol that makes up the piece may be. A moon, a sun, a pie? I like to think it’s Thoms’ take on a still life, or perhaps a diagram of one of his days, showing the sun moon and the moments in between.
The colours in the painting range from muted greys and browns in the background to vibrant green, pink and blue elements in the foreground. This combination allows the main shapes to jump forward whilst the background remains a space to hold them.
Thoms studied at Edinburgh College of art before receiving a travelling scholarship in 1935 which allowed him to visit and study in Paris, Rome, Venice and Padua. This would have allowed him to experience many styles of visual art. In 1935 the Paris art scene was seeing a modernist movement with artists such as Picasso and Matisse at the forefront. They highlighted geometric shapes in their work with a focus on colour theory. Thoms would have likely seen and been influenced by this, which is perhaps visible in works such as ‘Abstract Composition’ and ‘A Trois Blanc’, another painting which we have in the collection. It is a lot more muted in its colour choice, and the imagery is more ambiguous, remaining as abstract shapes rather than representative imagery.
Image: ‘A Trois Blanc’, Colin Thoms, 1991.
I think there’s a lot to discuss visually with these two pieces, the colours, visuals and symbolism. I wonder what you see when you view the piece? Do you also see a diagram of a day or something completely different?
Caring for the Collection is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund Scotland.
Thanks to National Lottery players, we will be able to dedicate time to improve the condition of our artworks currently in our store, so that they will be able to be displayed in health and social care settings across Scotland.
Museum & Galleries Technician Modern Apprenticeship is supported by Museums Galleries Scotland provider of the apprenticeship, mentor and SCQF level 7
4 February 2026 by
Amy Miles