* IAN FLEMING RSA RSW RGI (SCOTTISH 1906 -1994),
SHELTERS IN A TENEMENT LANE
etching, signed and titled in pencil
21cm x 15cm
Mounted, framed and under glass
Provenance: Exhibited Royal Scottish Academy Annual Exhibition (Edinburgh) 1942 catalogue number 502.
Note: Ian Fleming was a notable artist and engraver and played an important role in the Scottish art world. He was successively a lecturer at Glasgow School of Art for many years and Warden of Patrick Allen-Fraser Art College at Hospitalfield and Principal of Gray's School of Art, Aberdeen. He was a brilliant etcher, a practice he continued into old age. Fleming was born in Glasgow and studied at the Glasgow School of Art. He began printmaking at art school, and Glasgow Art Gallery bought two of his prints while he was still a student. In 1928, Fleming made his first engraving, inspired by Charles Murray (see lot 114). Murray's influence over Fleming was considerable and Fleming learned quickly, soon becoming a highly-skilled engraver. While lecturing at the Art School from 1931, Fleming met William Wilson, the Edinburgh-based printmaker and stained glass artist. They became friends, and their work was mutually influential. He also taught Robert Colquhoun and Robert MacBryde ("the two Roberts") during this time. Fleming produced detailed etchings and engravings of Glasgow, the Scottish Highlands and the Continent.