A RARE painting of Glasgow capturing one of the city’s last trams is going up for auction later this month.
Glasgow Tram, by acclaimed UK landscape artist Herbert Whone, is being sold by the family of the late Scottish comedian and actor Johnny Beattie.
The painting was bought directly from the artist nearly 60 years ago and has remained in the Beattie family ever since.
It will feature in The Scottish Contemporary Art Auction at McTear’s on June 20.
The image, which shows one of Glasgow’s last trams travelling along a rain soaked street with a couple in the foreground, is a classic example of Whone’s work and captures the essence of the city during the 1960s.
“Dad loved his art but it was my mum, Kitty Lamont, who purchased the Herbert Whone directly from the artist,” said Louise Beattie, Johnny’s daughter. “I am pretty sure she bought it when they lived in Partickhill which means it has been in the family for almost 60 years.
“The painting has been admired and commented on many times over the years.
“In fact, the artist tried to buy it back at one point, although we politely declined.
“We have had a lot of pleasure from the piece but after so many years and following the passing of my dad, we all agreed that it was time for another art lover to get some enjoyment from the work.”
Born and in Yorkshire in 1925, Whone moved to Glasgow in 1955 where he produced a series of acclaimed paintings showing the changing face of the city.
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