EDWARD ARTHUR WALTON, R.S.A., P.R.S.W. | The Uplands of Ceres

Aitken Dott & Son, Edinburgh

Original canvas. The work appears to be in very good overall condition. UV light inspection reveals a minor speck of retouching in the sky upper right and another to the centre left edge. A small area of retouching in the lower right hand corner. Held in an ornate gilt plaster frame.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Walton was one of the most prominent members of the group of artist friends known as the Glasgow Boys who had been inspired by French developments in landscape painting. He sought to explore the natural effects of light on the Scottish landscape by painting outside rather than from sketches in the studio. He trained for a year in Dusseldorf and studied at the Glasgow School of Art, but was most influenced by the experience working with his fellow painters at Cockburnspath, Berwickshire and Cambuskenneth, Stirling. He spent a successful decade living in London but from 1904 he was settled with his family in Edinburgh and was elected to the Royal Scottish Academy in 1905. The present picture was probably painted circa.1918 in the fields around the pretty Fife village of Ceres, looking towards the parish church which was built in 1806 by Alexander Leslie. As a biographer has noted; ‘Walton was a painter so distinguished that he held a special place in the regard… of all who followed with an intelligence or interest the development of art in the country during the last three or four decades.’ (Fiona MacSporran, Edward Arthur Walton 1860-1922, 1987, p.9)