GABRIELLE Keiller had trained herself by 1960 to be a first-class archaeological photographer, working with Rupert-Bruce Mitford on the Sutton Hoo ship-burial. She had previously joined her husband, Alexander Keiller, at Avebury, the neolithic henge monument, which he owned and had restored. Alec Keiller had in the First World War commanded a fleet of seaplanes, leading to the application in later years of the mapping of ancient sites from the air.

Born in North Berwick, Gabrielle Keiller was proud of her Scottish origins and worked with enthusiasm on affairs that concerned Scotland. She was not only on the advisory committee of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art from 1978 to 1985, but donated two small libraries of rare editions to the National Library of Scotland.

All her pursuits and activities were taken on with an infectious enthusiasm. The four-acre garden at Telegraph Cottage was affectionately tended and showed the results of long hours of relentless toil. This garden was her pride and joy and reflected her soul.

For several years the sculptures that were formerly in this splendid garden have lived in Edinburgh in the garden of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. On completion of the refurbishment of the Dean College gallery, they will be transferred to the grounds there. This collection of sculpture was shown at the Serpentine Gallery in 1987 and ended its travels at the Glasgow Garden Festival in September 1988.

The collecting of sculpture was only one of Gabrielle Keiller's interests: good paintings gave her immense pleasure and to share her discoveries with friends and strangers was her particular joy. This process of course will continue in perpetuity.

n An appreciation

by EDUARDO PAOLOZZI