May Matthews Fine Art

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May Matthews Fine Art

May Matthews Fine Art specialises in selling 19th and 20th Century Scottish pictures and prints at p

May Matthews is a Scottish picture specialist at international auction house Bonhams. May is excited to offer her knowledge and contacts to carefully source artwork for exclusive pop up gallery events across East Lothian. Artwork on offer will include oils, watercolours, prints and sculpture. May strongly believes that fine art doesn't have to cost the Earth! Come along and be pleasantly surprised

as to how accessible and affordable quality pictures can be. If you would like to be included on our mailing list, or have an enquiry, please send a message or phone 07876 793132.

22/01/2022

IT'S IN THE DETAILS.
I'm teasing you, scroll to see main image, it's a beauty!
A painter and teacher, Irene May Halliday was born in Kingsmuir in 1931 and attended Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art in Dundee between 1948-53, studying under Alberto Morrocco. From 1956-79 she worked at Didsury College of Education becoming Head of Art and Design. She spent an academic year as a visiting professor at State University College, Buffalo, New York State from 1972-73. She left full-time teaching at Manchester Polytechnic in 1979 but continued to teach summer schools in Alston, Hull, Lancashire and Harrogate.
Irene was elected to the Royal Society of Watercolourists in 1955 she has exhibited at the RA, the Royal Glasgow Institute of Fine Arts and elsewhere in England, Scotland and the United States, and her work is held in several galleries. She never moved far from Scottish painting and in 2002 returned to live in Arbroath inspired by the sea coast and land around her home.

76 x 127 cm.
This large canvas was probably painted in the late 1950's early 1960's. Possibly "East coast, summer" exhibited at the RSA in 1960.
Contact me for further information.

22/01/2022

LOCAL INTEREST.
Robert A Dakers (1866-1954) was a well-known Haddington artist, a friend/tutor to Sir William Gillies, and editor of the Haddington Courier from the 1880's to 1918.
As you can see, the label on the back of this panel, gives us the title as "Old Haddington Close". It was exhibited at the Royal Scottish Academy in 1915.

Dakers felt very strongly about the demolition of Old Haddington. Here is an extract from The Haddington Courier, 27th August, 1915.....
"More of Old Haddington Disappearing: Another portion of the Haddington of an older day is under demolition in Hardgate, where the quaint harled frontage of Skinner’s Close is being pulled down. The buildings clustered on the pretty extensive site have seen their day out, and must yield to the inevitable....As is usual, the old buildings in their later days, descended to meaner uses than those for which they were built, and they must now make way for newer things. There is, however, a satisfaction in knowing that their passing has been rendered necessary by sheer old age. The haddingtonian who appreciates the old world features of the burgh - so rapidly disappearing – will, however, view their disappearance with a regret which the promise of better things will not greatly palliate."

Panel size: 40.8 x 30.4 cm
Frame size: 48.4 x 37.8 cm
Contact me for further information.

13/12/2021

S M A L L. I S. B E A U T I F U L.
Pansies in a Cup.
Oil on panel.
Ann Patrick (b. 1937) studied at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Patrick Allan-Fraser School of Art, Hospitalfield, Arbroath, 1954–8, her teachers Alberto Morrocco and David McClure. She graduated from Dundee Art College and presently resides in Arbroath. She also happens to be the daughter of the artist James McIntosh Patrick and wife of painter Richard Hunter.

Her Paintings reflect her immediate surroundings giving formal permanence to ephemera such as fruit, flowers and landscapes.

Her works are in the permanent collection of Dundee, Aberdeen and Angus Art Galleries and in the collections of H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh, Scottish Television PLC, United Distillers PLS, Noble Grossart, Harrision (Cyde) Ltd, Adam & Co and The Fleming Collection.

Image size 20.2 x 15.5 cm
Frame size 30 x 25 cm
£145

12/12/2021

M I D. W I N T E R.
Here's one for the art lovers.
Violet MacNeish Kay RSW (1914–1971), ink and watercolour, laid on card.
Born in Glasgow, daughter of the artist James Kay, Violet studied at Glasgow School of Art, 1931–3, under William Somerville Shanks and W O Hutchison. Exhibited RSW, Paisley Institute, RSA and Glasgow Lady Artists’ Club. She joined in 1935 and won its Lauder Award in 1948.
Just one of the many female artists who deserve more recognition.
Fantastic condition.
Image 19.5 x 13 cm
Frame 34.5 x 26.5 cm
Contact me for further information.

14/11/2021

G I F T. I D E A.
If you live near the sea, you'll have certainly spent much more time appreciating our beautiful coastline over the past few years.
Here's a lovely little oil by J.D. Henderson. A Scottish landscape and marine painter who worked from his studio in Burnside, Rutherglen, producing bold and vigorous landscapes using broad brushstrokes and a vibrant sense of colour. Exhibited at The Royal Glasgow Institute of Fine Arts between 1964-1989.
'The ebbing tide at sunset'
signed and dated '88
Oil on board
18 x 25 cm (image)
28.5 x 36 cm (framed)
Contact me for further details.

#1988

13/11/2021

S E A S O N A L.
I love the colours of the sky and leaves at this time of year.
Here's an attractive oil on board by Jean Gardner, a Glasgow based painter who flourished in the 70's and 80's. She exhibited at The Royal Scottish Academy and the Royal Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts.
Ready to hang on your walls, or perhaps a present for someone, a snip at £130.
Free gift wrapping and delivery within East Lothian available.
30 x 32 cm (image size)
39 x 41 cm (frame size)

11/11/2021

D E T A I L.
Swipe to see the full picture.

Hilda Goldwag (1912-2008)
'Flowing River'
Oil on board
61 x 107 cm

Like all Goldwag's work, this is a colourful, yet subtle, depiction of conflicting emotions, which can be read on different ways.

Hilda was born in Vienna in 1912. As an artistically gifted child she attended art school, graduating in 1938 with distinction. As a means of escaping the threat of the Nazi's, she got a permit to come to Scotland as a domestic servant in 1939. Her family were due to follow in September – the day war broke out. All died in Dachau.
During the war years she worked (as an enemy alien) in factory jobs.

Living in Glasgow, Goldwag was the head designer at the textile company Friedlanders, in the 40's/50's, her work included designing scarves for Marks & Spencer. She also undertook freelance illustration work for the publishers Collins, illustrating the 1955 edition of Robert Louis Stevenson's A Child's Garden of Verse.

Painting had become a full-time occupation with solo shows in Greenock and Gourock in the 70's, in the Royal Glasgow Institute’s Kelly Gallery in Glasgow, and the Lillie Gallery in Milngavie in the 80's. Goldwag was an active member of several artist societies, notably the Glasgow Society of Women Artists and the Scottish Society of Women Artists. A major exhibition of her work appeared at the University of Strathclyde’s Collins Gallery in 2005.

Contact me for further information.

31/07/2021

M I N I. M E.
I had to buy this smaller John McPhee when it came up for sale. A cute 'mini' canvas compared to the huge one that I bought earlier in the year.
The early 80's was an exciting time for exhibitions in Edinburgh. In 1983, the City Art Centre in Edinburgh held a show entitled "Scottish Art: 2 Generations" that hung works by well-known artists such as Blackadder and Houston, next to up-and-coming talents such as McPhee. This piece was included. Entitled "MacSheen", signed and dated 1983, oil on canvas, 56.5 x 62 cm.
A brilliant example of how great, original pieces can be affordable. I'll be selling it for a ticket price of £260. Contact me for further details before I add it to my website.

07/07/2021

Rules are made to be broken!
I try to stick to Scottish Art but every now and again a picture speaks to me that doesn't fit the brief. I just LOVE this abstract oil on canvas by Jonathan Richard Turner (b.1937). Painter, draughtsman and teacher; studied at the Slade School of Fine Art, 1957-61, under William Coldstream. After teaching at various schools, became head of art and design at Harrow School in 1967-82 and participated in group shows including the Salon des Indépendants, Paris, 1962. This beauty is signed and dated '68 on the stretcher verso. The British Museum own a similar piece by him that is linked to the complex maths involved in chess. Super cool. I'll probably keep it for my own walls, but as any dealer knows, everything is potentially for sale!
#1968

20/06/2021

WILD CHERRY TREE 🌸
Irene May Halliday RSW (b.1931) originally sold this beautiful large gouache for £2100 several decades ago. I love using my knowledge (and addiction to looking at art online!) to source art from small auction houses and being able to offer affordable paintings to my clients for a fraction of the original retail price. Nicely presented. Frame size is 86.5 x 107.5 cm. Contact me for further information.

18/06/2021

STOCKHOLM - PARIS - EDINBURGH
Anna Molin (1949-1988) was born in Sweden. She studied graphics in Stockholm before completing a scholarship in Lithography in London in 1964. She settled in Edinburgh for a time, and had a successful career, holding solo shows in established places such as Compass Gallery, Glasgow, in February 1976.
Inspired by artists such as Picasso, Matisse, Steinberg and Geof, she developed her own distinctive style.
This delicate aquatint etching was created in Paris in 1969, but obviously made it's way into a Scottish collection for me to be able to buy it in Edinburgh 52 years later.
Quiet, understated, beauty in simple every day objects, quality. Great art can be affordable. Contact me for further information.
Plate 17.6 x 23.5. Sheet 41 x 45 cm.
#1969

24/04/2021

Hilda Goldwag (1912-1938) was an incredible woman and artist you should know about. Read on to discover why...

Born in Vienna in 1912. As an artistically gifted child she attended Art School and graduated in 1938 with distinction. With the growth of Na**sm life became increasingly fraught for anyone of Jewish origin. She got a permit to “escape” to Scotland in 1939 with a domestic servant visa. Her family were due to follow in September, the day war broke out. All died in Dachau, including her four year old nephew.

During the war years she worked (as an enemy alien) in factory jobs. Living in Glasgow, Goldwag went on to be the head designer at the textile company Friedlanders, 1945-55, her work included designing scarves for Marks & Spencer. She also undertook freelance illustration work for the publishers Collins, illustrating the 1955 edition of Robert Louis Stevenson's A Child's Garden of Verse. From 1962-75, Goldwag worked part-time as a hospital occupational therapist while continuing to paint.

She became a familiar sight with her easel and paints and brushes in the area, and her paintings began to appear in exhibitions. She moved to a low rise flat in Yoker/Knightswood after the Great Storm of 1968 took the roof off her city centre flat.

Painting had become a full-time occupation with solo shows in Greenock and Gourock in the 1970's, in the Royal Glasgow Institute’s Kelly Gallery in Glasgow, and the Lillie Gallery in Milngavie in the 1980's. Goldwag was an active member of several artist societies, notably the Glasgow Society of Women Artists and the Scottish Society of Women Artists. A major exhibition of her work appeared at the University of Strathclyde’s Collins Gallery in 2005.

She painted until a year or two before her death in January 2008, trailing around the area, with her gear stacked on a supermarket trolley. She ventured out to Kirkintilloch and other spots in bussing distance from Glasgow, returning with her large canvases or boards, the paint still wet, spread on the bus luggage racks. When she died her little flat was stacked with paintings.

13/03/2021

A B S T R A C T.
I love researching artists from the past and discovering their stories. Why do some artists make it and others fade into obscurity?
Here's an absolute cracker....
John McPhee was an artist who trained in Aberdeen in the mid 1970s and then moved to Oban in '79. He exhibited works at the RSA with the most wacky titles I think I've ever heard of (swipe to see a list). This oil on canvas on offer is entitled "Kettles Harp Composition" and it's a biggie at 120x120 cm. Created in 1981 (all the best things are!) it was exhibited as part of the Scottish Young Contemporaries show in Glasgow. He seems to drop completely off the radar after 1986. Do you know what happened to him after that - do get in touch.
If you're looking for a bold statement piece with a lot of character, then this is for you. Contact me for for more info.
#1981 @ Haddington, East Lothian

13/03/2021

S P R I N G. S U N S H I N E.
How about adding a bit of East Lothian sunshine to your décor? Here's a lovely pastel entitled "Riverside, Haddington" by local artist Alexander Cree (1929-2014). Cree studied at Edinburgh College of Art between 1946-1950 under Gillies, and regularly exhibited at the RSA and GI. He moved to East Linton in 1965 and was inspired by the beauty of local landscape. Nicely framed and ready to hang on your walls for just £240. Free delivery within East Lothian.
Image size 19x19cm, frame 37x35.5cm.
@ Haddington, East Lothian

06/03/2021

More than meets the eye!
Embroidery is not usually on my radar, but sometimes a piece grabs your attention and you've just got to buy it. This is what happened to me when I came across this incredibly detailed textile piece by Kirsty Mcfarlane (Scottish, 20thc). Created in 1971, it's a whopper measuring 65 x 99 cm. "The Eye" is a combination of sublime embroidery and applique. Mcfarlane studied at the Glasgow School of Art in the 1950's under Kath Whyte.
Super cool for a 1970's home, your sewing room, or perhaps an arty teenagers room. At just £280 it's a bargain. Free delivery within East Lothian.
Resisting the urge to write more eye puns....
@ Haddington, East Lothian

10/01/2021

F L O W E R S.
Here is a detail of a wonderful still life by
Hamish Reid (1929-2005).
He attended Edinburgh College of Art in the late 40's/early 50's alongside Elizabeth Blackadder, David McClure and John Houston. It was clear to see how he and his contemporaries, this "second generation" of The Edinburgh School, were influenced by their mentors, such as Gillies, Redpath and Henderson Blyth.
Reid was a central figure in the new wave of artist's emerging onto the scene in the 1950's. In 1952, he went on on a painting trip to Fife with David McClure, Anne Redpath and her son David Michie. Based in Cupar, the four artists painted and drew in the fishing villages along the East Neuk as well as interiors and floral studies. His trip accompanying David McClure on his travels to France, Spain and Italy in '52/'53 is well documented.
Reid went on to become a member of the teaching staff at Edinburgh College of Art, retiring in 1990.
Head over to my website to view the full image. Link in bio.

25/12/2020

Merry Christmas one and all!

15/11/2020

Another sale from the website this weekend.
This mid-century glass sculpture proved one of the few attribution mysteries that I couldn't solve. Glad it has found a new home, where it can be enjoyed - and puzzled over - by even more art addicts.
If you're looking forward something particular, it's always worth dropping me a line and I'll keep my eyes peeled. Planning on re-stocking this week, so I'll be seeking out more treasures from various sources.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

26/09/2020

Happy Birthday!
On this day in 1931, Irene May Halliday was born.
Here's a whopper of a painting. Entitled "Rock pools and boat", exhibited at the RSA in 1967. (Although I think it may have been painted earlier as she has her Arbroath address on the reverse). The frame measures 110 x 216 cm. If you're searching for a statement piece, full of 60's psychedelic colour palate and mid-century Scottish seaside vibes, then look no further! Contact me for further details.

Halliday studied at Arbroath High School and then Dundee Art College in the 50's. She gained successive scholarships and lectureships before becoming Principal Lecturer, Head of Art & Design at Didsbury College of Education, and Manchester Polytechnic from 1956-1979. She also spent an academic year as a visiting professor at State University College, Buffalo, New York State from 1972/3.
She left full-time teaching at Manchester in 1979, but continued to teach summer schools in Alston, Hull, Lancashire and Harrogate. She never moved far from Scottish painting and in 2002 returned to live in Arbroath. The sea coast and the land around her we're her constant inspiration.

Hopefully she is still with us and celebrating her 89th birthday!

16/08/2020

EXCITING DISCOVERY
I'm very excited to announce that I discovered a previously unknown painting of Nungate Bridge, Haddington.
As one of Scotland's oldest bridges, originally dating to the 15th century, it was once the main route into Haddington. Famously painted by local artists such as William Darling McKay and William Gillies, it was also often a stopping off point for artists travelling northwards on their scenic tours of Scotland.
This example is by Alexander Charles Winter OBE (1887-1969). I have spent a long time comparing old photographs and I believe it to date to c.1912. It's an important record of the architectural changes to the buildings on the corner of Bridge Street and Waterside (now where the Waterside Bistro have their outdoor seating areas and carpark).
Winter was born at Braddingham, Norfolk and served in the Royal Navy during the First World War. He received an OBE in 1919. He later joined the Royal Airforce where he obtained the position of Group Captain. As an artist he exhibited widely, including the Paris Salon, and had solo shows at Goupil Gallery London & Fermoy Art Gallery, Kings Lynn.
Alexander Charles Winter OBE (1887-1969)
Nungate Bridge
Signed (lower right)
Oil on canvas
51 x 40.5
Available for sale
Contact me for further information

02/08/2020

THRILLED
with my latest purchase from the extremely talented . She has captured the very essence of the wild flowers from the meadow outside my house, so beautifully. It will always remind me of this unique Spring/Summer that we have experienced. This year has taught me to appreciate nature's beauty and special friendships!
#2020

28/07/2020

SUMMER SALE
This impressive watercolour of Gosford Bay, was painted in 1904, looking towards Edinburgh and Arthur's Seat.
George Straton Ferrier RSW RI (1852-1812) was honoured by the Paris Salon, but it was his local landscapes he continued to paint. Influenced by The Haig School, he was known for impressive broad landscapes and seascapes. His skies were always stunning, with his trademark touches of grey, yellow and pink.
Image size 36.5 x 52 cm
Fabulous original frame, size 61.5 x 76 cm.
I've got to make room for new stock arriving soon, so grab a bargain whilst you can.
Was £580, now £420.
Free delivery within Edinburgh and East Lothian. Contact me for more details.

08/07/2020

THACKERAY'S HOUSE
The novelist William Makepeace Thackeray (1811-1863) lived at 16 Young Street in Kensington from 1846-1854. During this time wrote his most famous work, "Vanity Fair". It was published serially between January 1847 and July 1848. The novel had, remarkably, been turned down by five publishers.
The house, a yellow-brick detached building which dates from a semi-rural Kensington of 1815, cost Thackeray £65 a year in rent. Its projecting segmental bays reminded him of a feudal castle: ‘I’ll have a flagstaff put over the coping of the wall, and I’ll hoist a standard up when I’m at home!’, he quipped.
The property was on the market two years ago for £4.5 million. A snip! If that is slightly out of your budget, you could own this etching for just £40 (plus p&p).

William Walker ARE (1878-1961) was born in Glasgow and studied at Glasgow School of Art, London and Paris. He was elected an Associate of the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers in 1914 and was a lecturer at Chelsea Polytechnic, 1919-21.
He lived in Greenock and London before returning north of the border.
Widely exhibited including the RA and RSA. He is represented in many collections, including the City of Edinburgh Collection.
This work was purchased from Bonhams in 2004 when a small collection from his studio came up for sale.

Signed "William Walker" in pencil (lower left). Entitled "Thackeray's House, Young St, Kensington" (lower right). Unframed.
Image: 10.2 x 11.1 cm
Sheet: 17.5 x 19.1 cm
£40 (plus p&p)
Please contact me for further information.

@ Haddington, East Lothian

27/06/2020

SNEAK PEEK.
Here's a small detail of a very large painting (over 2m wide!).
They say that good things come to those who wait....well, I bought this 4 months ago, but then Lockdown was announced and I wasn't about to pick it up. It felt like Xmas morning when it was delivered this week! It's ticking all my boxes; 1950's, Scottish, female artist, sea themes and quirky.
Bet you can't guess who painted it......
More info coming soon.

17/06/2020

GRAND PIANO.
Here's another opportunity to snap up another fabulous screenprint by 20th Century Scottish artist Alan Cowie. I bought several unframed works by this artist, when Fife Council were selling off some of their amazing art collection from the past 50 years. The last one flew off the shelf. So DM me if you fancy a wee bargain before I put it on my website. 58x42 cm.
It would make a fabulous gift for a musician-art-lover.
Free delivery within East Lothian.
@ Haddington, East Lothian

11/06/2020

** Special Father's Day Offer **
Here's a selection of pictures that would make a lovely present for your Father's Day gift.
Click on the image for details and prices.
* Free delivery within East Lothian *
Contact me for further information. (Reduced prices on offer until Saturday 20th June only).

31/05/2020

SUN WORSHIPERS.
How many of us were enjoying the amazing weather today?
Here's a fabulous, large screenprint by a Scottish artist Alan Cowie. I bought it at auction when Fife Council were selling off an incredible art collection from the past 50 years. Signed and inscribed, with a tantalisingly difficult to decipher title, "Sunworshipers with ***** & Palm Court Orchestra".
58 x 84.5 cm.
Not yet on my website, so if you're interested in snapping up a bargain, drop me a DM.

30/05/2020

If like me, you appreciate early 20th Century etchings, you'll see why I have given this stunner pride of place on my mantle this week.

William Walker ARE (1878-1961) was born in Glasgow and studied at Glasgow School of Art, London and Paris. He was elected an Associate of the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers in 1914 and was a lecturer at Chelsea Polytechnic, 1919-21.
He lived in Greenock and London before returning north to live in Stirling, Edinburgh, Callander and finally Dollar.
Widely exhibited including the Royal Academy and the Royal Scottish Academy. He is represented in many collections, including the City of Edinburgh Collection.
This work was purchased from Bonhams in 2004 when a small collection from his studio came up for sale.

Signed "William Walker" in pencil (lower left). Further signed with initials "W.W." and entitled "Cambridge" (lower left).
Image: 20.2 x 25.2 cm
Sheet: 23.7 x 31 cm
Mount: 53.2 x 37.5 cm
£80 (plus p&p)
Please contact me for further information

17/05/2020

My Bass Rock addiction continues!
This is one of my favourite Bass Rock finds. It's a 19th Century hand-coloured print. What makes it extra special is the fact that it shows a female artist sitting on the cliff path, painting or sketching. The question is, is she drawing the scenery or a portrait of her beau? Is she the maker of this print? Either way, it's rare to have a female artist depicted. Smart, conservation framing, beautiful hand-finished mount, it's ready to hang on your walls.
Image size 12.5 x 25 cm
Frame size 31 x 42.5 cm
Contact me for further information, or check out my website, link in bio.

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http://www.maymatthewsfineart.co.uk/

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** GIVEAWAY COMPETITION ** Let's share some love and bring some cheer during these difficult times! I am giving away 3 original floral watercolours by Euphen Alexander (1917-2008), worth £50 each. All you need to do is... 1) Like May Matthews Fine Art's page 2) Tell me who you think I should send one to, by tagging them in the comments below. Perhaps you might like to tell me why. You can nominate as many people as you like. . . Competition end Wednesday 8th April, at 12 noon. I will choose 2 winners from Instagram and 1 from Facebook. Good luck everyone! . . Per Facebook rules, this promotion is in no way sponsored, administered, or associated wit.h Facebook. By entering, entrants confirm that they are 13+ years of age, release Instagram of responsibility, and agree to Instagram’s terms of use.