Paintings - James Robertson Collie

[StuartC]

I am looking for originals, copies or prints of paintings by my Great Great Uncle
James Robertson Collie, during the period 1855 - 1878.
He is described as "Edinburgh painter in oil of buildings, genre, often Continental.
Exuibited RSA (15) during 1855-1877, also GI(5) from Peffermill, Liberton, Edinburgh"
(The Dictionary of Scottish Art & Architecture, Peter McEwan, Glengarden Press 2004)

I have been in contact with the RSA archives in Edinburgh, who kindly gave me a list of
his paintings but regretted that they did not have any images. Looks like his paintings
may have all ended up in private collections.

Some of the paintings are named as follows:

1856 - Cardinal Beaton's House, Cowgate
1863 - The Old Thrashing Mill (sold for £20 at the Royal Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts)
1873 - Sreet Scene in the Old Town
1874 - Hyvot's mill, Liberton
1875 - Timber houses of the 14th century, Lisieux, Calvados
The Market Place and Catherdral of St Pierre, Lisieux, Calvados
1876 - At Peffermill - the Dumbiedykes of the Heart of Midlothian
1878 - Bit of Old Edinburgh

If anyone has any idea as to where these paintings might be seen, or if there are
any copies/prints available, I would be most interested in receiving the information.

Regards
StuartC

[Tracey]

http://imagingthebible.llgc.org.uk//image/2628
Has this anything to do with your James ?

[StuartC]

Hi Tracy,

Thanks for the URL. I am not sure if it is him or not.
I do know that he was an engraver as well as a painter, and that is what is
refered to in the descriptive part of the URL you sent.

I will need to do some more research.
My immediate interest is for the paintings.

Regards
StuartC

[Currie]

Hello Stuart,

Here’s a previous thread viewtopic.php?f=3&t=12073&hilit=

I just found an additional newspaper item that may refer to him. It’s just a mention in a long description of artist’s works.

Glasgow Herald, Friday, January 13, 1882
STIRLING EXHIBITION.
The Smith Institute so far fulfils the purpose of its founder by the picture exhibition just opened, one of an intermittent series expected to become annual. No great effort ……….. John Lenels has water-colour views from Venice, carefully painted and good in colour. J. R. Collie paints an old horse in a small landscape with a charming brush. A bit on the Gryffe, by James Maclean, is capital in colour, and promises well ………………

The Smith Institute is still operating. If the above is a possibility maybe they have more information. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stirling_S ... rt_Gallery

If those are only some of the paintings that you’ve listed it may be worthwhile listing all of them. It may improve your prospects.

All the best,
Alan

[StuartC]

Alan,

Thanks for the information. I seem to recall the previous post but did not have a list of
his paintings at that time.

I will contact the Stirling Exhibition and see what turns up

Regards
Stuart

[Currie]

Back again Stuart,

Here’s a book with an illustration of a drawing done by J. R. Collie.

Illustration of the armour worn by Viscount Dundee at the Battle of Killiecrankie. Taken from “A History of the Scottish Highlands, Highland Clans and Highland Regiments vol. 1”. ed. by John S. Keltie. Creator J. R. Collie, 1874. http://www.ambaile.org.uk/en/item/item_ ... em_id=2128

The Internet Archive has the downloadable book, but the illustration, which is supposed to be on page 376, appears to be missing. http://www.archive.org/details/scottish ... 01keltuoft

Here’s a scan of the page from ElectricScotland. http://www.electricscotland.com/history ... armour.jpg

Alan

[StuartC]

Alan,

Thanks for the info. Looking at the picture it seems to be an engraving rather than
a painting. His death certificate shows him to have been a painter and engraver,
so picture in the book may well be his work.

I am pursuing the Stirling Smith Museum

Best Regards
Stuart