Description
Royal Circus by Nikki Monaghan offers a joyful, colour-rich celebration of one of Edinburgh’s most picturesque streets. The piece evokes the Georgian elegance and bustling character of Royal Circus, nestled in the Newtown area of Edinburgh. As with many of Nikki’s works, this painting captures not just architecture, but atmosphere — conveying a sense of place, memory and warmth that draws in anyone familiar with the city.
In this artwork, the row of beautiful, classical townhouses typical of Royal Circus — with their symmetry, traditional facades, and subtle architectural flourishes — are rendered in Nikki’s signature naïve, stylised style. Rather than an exact photographic replication, the painting emphasises shape, pattern and colour to create a dream-like yet recognisable interpretation of Edinburgh life. Hues are vivid yet gentle, lending the scene a welcoming, almost nostalgic glow. The soft interplay of light and shadow, combined with varied textures, invites the viewer to imagine the daily rhythm of Royal Circus: passers-by, local cafés, the chatter of neighbourhood life, and the quiet dignity of historic streets.
Nikki Monaghan, based in Falkirk, studied Printed Textile Design at the Scottish College of Textiles. tartan2cv.comHer background in textile design informs her approach to composition — she layers acrylics, oil pastels, inks and charcoal to build depth, texture and a sense of hand-crafted artistry. Dockside Gallery This technique gives Royal Circus its distinctive style: simplified forms punctuated by expressive lines and blocks of colour that evoke emotion and memory rather than strict realism. Nikki’s work often explores Scottish towns, cities and landscapes — places imbued with personal or communal histories — bringing everyday scenes to life in a way that feels both familiar and fresh. nikkimonaghan.co.uk
Owning Royal Circus also offers a lovely opportunity to personalise how it’s displayed: on the First4Frames website you can choose from a wide selection of high-quality frames and mounts. Options include Matt Black & Silver, Brushed Gray & Silver, Walnut or Medium Oak finishes — each available in various widths — as well as artistic touches such as wood-grain profiles or more contemporary brushed looks. You can also choose from different mount board colours (Snow White, Antique White, Wedgewood Grey, etc.) and mount sizes (2″, 2.5″, 3″) to suit your décor. First4Frames Gallery
Having your print professionally framed by First4Frames brings several benefits:
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It ensures that the artwork is mounted without warping or bending and protected under high-quality glazing, so the vibrant colours and fine details of Royal Circus remain crisp and clear for years.
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A professionally chosen frame enhances the visual impact and integrates the piece seamlessly into your home — whether you want a classic Georgian-style feel or a modern aesthetic.
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The preview function on the product page helps you visualise exactly how your framed piece will look, making it easier to match your chosen frame and mount to your interior. First4Frames Gallery
Choosing Royal Circus as a print for your wall isn’t just about buying a piece of art — it’s about bringing a piece of Edinburgh’s history and character into your home. The combination of Nikki Monaghan’s joyful, stylised vision and First4Frames’ professional framing service ensures you receive a piece that’s ready to hang, beautifully presented and imbued with atmosphere.
For more from Nikki Monaghan — including other cityscapes, landscapes and limited edition prints — visit her website: nikkimonaghan.co.uk.
