Tales of Things

On the Retiral of John McLeod, Senior Guardsman, Wick Railway Station by Ian Scott, 1985

Originally from Wick, Scott graduated from Duncan of Jordanstone College with first class honours in 1985, and was highly commended in his following postgraduate year. After a series of successful exhibitions and teaching posts, he is now Professor of Art at Baltimore, USA. His paintings have become highly collectable since pop star David Bowie purchased one in 2001.

The College has several of Scott’s highly distinctive student paintings, all of which comprise large-scale heads like this, with surreal details hidden in the features. The artist recalls that this painting of Senior Guardsman John McLeod "was actually planned and sketched in Wick Railway station during his last days there. I used to be there on a regular basis and they would let me sit in the staff tea room and sketch away. The fellow looking in the window from behind is David Davidson better know locally as 'David the Railwayman'. He was to feature in about 20 more paintings. I would give him a box of 10 cigarettes and he would pose indefinatly.
His jumper in the painting is patterned with rail tracks and rails became involved with the texture of the giant hands. I have always enjoyed the atmosphere of British Rail and its unique integrity. Perhaps as Paul Delveau was similarly affected in Belgium."

The painting was acquired for the Duncan of Jordanstone College Collection in 1986.

Created by: UoD_Museums on 20 Oct 2011, 3:06 p.m.

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