GEMMA Thorns polishes a rare maple cabinet painted by Whistler that has been acquired by National Museums Scotland.

The piece was designed by Edward William Godwin and painted by James Abbott McNeill Whistler. It is thought to have been made around 1878 and is carved with Japanese-style floral and bird motifs and painted with clouds and butterflies, a signature of Whistler. It was acquired with money from the Art Fund and the National Museums Scotland Charitable Trust.

Picture: Gordon Terris