Herbert Truman (1883-1957) - Early 20th Century Oil Glen Artney, Perthshire

Description

A fine oil painting by the British artist Herbert Truman. In soothing tones, the artist depicts a beautiful landscape view of Glen Artney, Perthshire. Signed to the lower left-hand corner. Inscribed with the location on the reverse. Well-presented in an ornate gilt effect frame, as shown. On board.

Condition

The condition is typical for a picture of this age including some discolouration, very small surface marks, minor areas of paint loss and some craquelure. Inspection under UV light reveals no restoration. Some scuffing and small moulding losses to the frame.

Size

29.9 x 38.7cm (11.8" x 15.2")
Framed Size: 36.8 x 46.8cm (14.5" x 18.4")

Artist Biography

Herbert Truman (1883-1957) was a painter and the principal originator member of the St. Ives Society of Artists, 1927-40. Born in Dawlish, Devon he studied at the South London Technical School of Art and later at St. Martin's School of Art in London. He was employed in Egypt circa 1913 as Chief Inspector of Art, and while in Egypt was recruited by the government to become Head of the Cairo CID working on the suppression of the local drug trade. His favoured subject matter was harbour scenes but he also depicted local china clay pits and old-world cottages. These he showed at the RA his first exhibit there being in 1912, as well as locally in Cornwall.

After leaving Egypt for Cornwall circa 1925, Truman showed at the Newlyn Art Gallery, and much of his work was reproduced as posters and postcards. In 1946, he relocated to Bristol and was elected a member of the Bristol Savages. In 1949, he was elected an Honorary Member of the RWA. In 1957, he produced what was arguably considered his masterpiece, 'Queen Elizabeth II Entering the Council Chamber of the New Council House', which now hangs in the headquarters of the Royal Empire Society's premises. He also exhibited at the GI, and Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool. Examples of his work are in the collections of the Royal Cornwall Museum, Truro, Plymouth Art Gallery, Lord Mayor's Chapel, the crypt of St. Nicholas's Church, Bristol, Cathedral and Bristol Art Gallery and Museum.