The Artist by Lucy Steeds

As part of our celebration of Scottish literature, we’re thrilled to highlight Lucy Steeds’ The Artist, recently longlisted for the prestigious Walter Scott Prize 2026. The prize, named after the iconic Abbotsford author himself, recognises outstanding historical fiction, and Steeds’ novel has captured attention for its vivid exploration of art, genius, and human complexity.

In addition, Abbotsford is proud to support the National Year of Reading campaign, created by GoAllIn, which encourages people of all ages to rediscover the joy of reading. By shining a spotlight on remarkable works like The Artist, we hope to spark curiosity, ignite imagination, and encourage everyone to pick up a book and dive into the extraordinary worlds that stories can open.

Winner of the Waterstones Book of the Year 2025 and now longlisted for the Walter Scott Prize 2026, Lucy Steed's The Artist is an intricate exploration of art, influence, and idolisation. 

Set in the heat of 1920's provence, the novel follows aspiring journalist Joseph Adelaide, who arrives eagerly to document the life and methods of the mysterious and celebrated artist Édouard “Tata” Tartuffe. Yet as the stay unfolds, his romanticised view of genius is slowly dismantled.

Steeds raises the complex questions of whether art can truly be separated from the artist, and what happens when admiration turns into blindness. All the while, a growing connection between Joseph and Tartuffe's niece slowly burns throughout the novel, revealing quieter, more personal perspectives on the artist's influence. 

Elegant and immersive, The Artist reflects on the complicated nature of genius and the voices that history often leaves behind. 

If you’d like to experience this remarkable story for yourself, copies are available to purchase in our visitor centre, a perfect addition to your own “palace of imagination.”

Joy Adams

Marketing Officer, Abbotsford

The Walter Scott Prize Shortlist will be announced in April 2026 

The Prize is managed by The Abbotsford Trust, the independent Scottish Charity responsible for Sir Walter Scott’s extraordinary Borders home, and is supported by Hawthornden Foundation and the Buccleuch Living Heritage Trust and Duke of Buccleuch, in memory of Elizabeth Buccleuch.

Click here to find out more about The Walter Scott Prize 

Love reading? Share the love! Visit the Go All In website to find out more.

This review reflects the opinion of the individual and does not represent the views of The Abbotsford Trust or the Walter Scott Prize. Books have been selected and read in no particular order.