George Hope Tait – The Prominent Borderer Exhibition

Presented by Live Borders & Old Gala Club

George Hope Tait was an amateur painter, Illustrator and discerning patron of the arts.  Born in Innerleithen, he spent most of his life in Galashiels.  His influence on architecture, heritage, and civic legacy in both towns was extensive.

Hope Tait was greatly influenced by the history  and heritage of the Borders which can be seen in his work – his paintings & design, poetry, authorship, song writing to name but a few. He set up ‘Tait Brothers’ Painters and Decorators in Galashiels and was also a skilled watercolourist and graphic designer.

Hope Tait served on the Galashiels Town Council for nearly 30 years and was involved with setting up the constitution of the Braw Lads’ Gathering in 1930, the erection of the War Memorial and the new Burgh Chambers.

This exhibition explores his life and celebrates his contribution to art, architecture, journalism, writing and promotion of Borders traditions.