Peace of Iona – William Mervyn Glass

Lot 499 in this month’s Paintings, Drawings and Prints Online auction is a charming watercolour of Iona by Scottish painter, William Mervyn Glass (1885-1965).

Glass had a particular fondness for Iona and captured its coastlines many times throughout his career. He worked primarily in oils, and lot 499 presents a wonderful opportunity to own something a little bit different from the artist’s usual output.

Educated at Gray’s School of Art, Aberdeen and the Royal Scottish Academy Schools, Glass settled in Edinburgh in 1913 before serving in the First World War. He was critical of teaching, refusing to do so and questioned some of his contemporary’s commitment to art.

“The thing that gets me is that nine-tenths of the painters in Scotland have to beg for their bread and butter. In their spare time and during holidays they squeeze in enough time to do some real painting.”

It is argued that Glass’ paintings follow in the Colourist tradition of painting, and it’s not hard to see why. McTear’s have been successful throughout the years in selling the artist’s work for hammer prices of up to £1,000, and this lot is offered at an attractive estimate of £150-250.

Also pictured – Loch na Keal, British and International Pictures Auction, June 2019, (lot 416, hammer £1,000); and The Black Cuillin, British and International Pictures Auction, March 2019 (lot 490, hammer £900)

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Jenny MacLeod

If you have pictures you wish to sell, please contact pictures@mctears.co.uk