William Stewart MacGeorge, R.S.A. 1861-1931

Lord Dean of Dryde;

Edinburgh, Aitken Dott & Sons

Born in Castle Douglas in 1861, MacGregor was excited by the development of the Glasgow Boys and the Colourist movement and became one of the most accomplished artists of his time, painting with a vibrancy of colour and robust brushwork indicative of his varied influences.

Children at play was MacGeorge’s favoured subject, using this theme as inspiration for his 1911 diploma work. He was a versatile painter also enjoying portraits, landscapes, and subject pictures and later in his life painting works inspired by the Ballads of the Borders. These later works represented his affinity for a decorative style using the impasto and bold colours of the Kirkcudbright School and Hornel. The suggestions and study of other artists influenced much of his style, but MacGeorge had the ability to retain his individuality while adapting new techniques. He strove to achieve a truth to form and create naturalistic atmospheres in his works, which he enhanced with rich colour, a thick application, and decorative embellishment. MacGeorge does not belong to one particular genre of Scottish Painting, as he was involved in the decorative phases of Scottish style, the Colourist movement, and the Kirkcudbright School, simultaneously adhering to his personal objectives. As J.L. Caw observed, "In his work one finds study of atmospheric effect and respect for the forms of Nature combined with delight in full-blooded colour and decorative ensemble." (J.L. Caw, Scottish Painting, 1975, p.406).

My Lady's Train was described in the Art Journal of 1901, thus 'Mr MacGeorge excells as a colourist in the charming woodland scene, with children picnicking, which he calls "My Lady's Train", from an incident in progress'. (pg.101)