A unique and fascinating painting goes under the hammer at Bonhams in the 19th and 20th Century Pictures and Prints sale in Edinburgh on 22 April.
Although the signature on the painting of Broughty Ferry Harbour, Dundee, is that of Ian Morrison the work is actually by two of Scotland’s most famous and collectable 20th century artists – Alberto Morrocco and David McClure.
In 1964, art student Morrison had just finished sketching out a composition from a vantage point above the harbour when two of his tutors, Morrocco and McClure from Jordanstone College, wandered by. Morrocco took the brush and painted the picture for him. McLure added a boat in the centre of the work. Cheekily perhaps, Morrison judged one of the gulls which dominate the foreground of the picture to be unconvincing so he added a few corrective strokes and initialled the painting. The lesson certainly did not go to waste and Ian Morrison went on to become a much respected art teacher before retiring some years ago.
Chris Brickley, Head of Bonhams Picture Department in Scotland said, “This painting is classic Morrocco of the period, and the story is delightful. Some students might have objected to the imposition, but it may mean that 50 years later Ian’s picture fetches a little more at auction than it might have done.” The oil is estimated at £1,000-1,500.
The auction will feature several works by Morrocco – expected to realise up to £20,000 – as well as works by the Scottish Colourists, Anne Redpath and Joan Eardley.
www.bonhams.com/scottishpictures
