Harry Jefferson Barnes (1915-1982)
| Artist Name | Harry Jefferson Barnes (1915-1982) |
|---|---|
| Title | Glasgow West End and the River Kelvin Landscape |
| Description | This superb Scottish Impressionist townscape oil painting is by noted Slade School trained artist Sir Harry Jefferson Barnes. Originally from Sheffield Barnes was very involved with the Glasgow art scene and became Director of the Glasgow School of Art until his retirement in 1980. Painted circa 1950, this composition is of the west end of Glasgow, looking across the river Kelvin from a high vantage point. In the foreground are vibrant trees and a grassy bank down to the river. The immediate buildings give way to a sea of grey roof tops and spires below a blustery sky. A really atmospheric painting that perfectly captures the feel of the West End of Glasgow and is an excellent example of Barnes' work. Signed and dated lower right. |
| Provenance | The artist's estate. Bourlet label verso. |
| Medium | Oil on Canvas |
| Size | 40 x 30 inches |
| Frame | Housed In a gallery frame, 47 inches by 37 inches framed and in good condition. |
| Condition | Good condition. |
| Biography | Harry Jefferson Barnes (1915-1982) was the Director of the Glasgow School of Art, and in 1965 he set up the Mackintosh School of Architecture, and he was also an influential pioneer of the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society. His interest in craft and design led him to acquiring the Edinburgh Tapestry Company in 1955, and throughout his life he contributed to the success and celebration of art and design in Scotland. Barnes was also an accomplished painter, and his work is rarely offered at auction. He was a painted in oils of landscapes and townscapes. He grew up in Sheffield where his father was a professor at the University. He was educated at Repton School and went on to study at the Slade under Randolph Schwabe. He was appointed CBE in 1971 and was knighted in 1980. Barnes had a personal and professional friendship with Randolph Schwabe, whom he studied under at the Slade, and who recommended him for the post of Assistant Master in Painting and Drawing at Glasgow School of Art. He married Schwabe's daughter Alice in 1941. Barnes retired from his post as Director of the Glasgow School of Art in 1980 to his home in Argyll. He died on 31 May 1982. |
| Price | £5500 |
