Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD

Scottish Oil Painting Of Metallurgist William Muirhead Iron & Steel Merchant By John McGhee

86,479.00 SR

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Indulge in the exquisite beauty of this Scottish oil painting featuring Metallurgist William Muirhead, a renowned iron & steel merchant. Masterfully crafted by John McGhee, this piece captures the elegance and prestige of the subject in intricate detail. Elevate your space with a touch of sophistication and history.
Half length front profile portrait of Mr William Muirhead of Messes, William Muirhead (Limited) Mount Vernon Iron & Steel Works 1855-1923.
Circa 1916 early 20th century.
Signed by the known listed Scottish artist John McGhee.
Presented in a decorative silver & outer gilt frame with metal wire hanging thread verso.
Oil on canvas.
Works like this rare become available for public sale.
William Muirhead was a highly respected in the world of industrial iron and steel industry. This is a significant portrait, as it was possible was done as a favor for the Muirhead family as few portraits exist by the artist John McGhee.
Mr Muirhead spent his whole life in the industry and specialized in the chemical side, for his first important appointment being that of Chief Metallurgist with Messes. William Beardmore and Co. Park head. He was largely instrumental in laying down and starting the works of the Lancashire Steel Company at Flemington and acted as manager for some time afterwards.
On leaving this company he began on his account in Glasgow as an Iron and steel merchant and carried on business successfully for many years. His heart was however in the manufacturing side of the industry and his researches culminated in the introduction of a new material now well known as Muirhead metal, the special qualities of which render it peculiar suitable for resisting high speed friction. Mr Muirhead who took no active part in public affairs, had been in failing health of some months during his final year in 1923.
John McGhee 1867-1952 John McGhee's paintings have sold at auction many times, with sold prices ranging up to 40,687 USD, the highest price for this artist at auction is 40,687 USD for By the sea, sold at Christie's London in 2003.
John McGhee was a Scottish painter. Born near Lanark, Scotland in 1867, McGhee began his education at the Glasgow School of Art where he remained for one year before receiving a scholarship to study at the Royal Academy Schools.
His time at the Royal Academy Schools in London under the tutelage of the late John Everett Millie proved to be both instructional and inspiring. Upon graduating from the RA Schools McGhee travelled to Paris to continue his artistic education at the Cole yes Beau Arts. Whilst in France, the artist was witness to many vibrant and increasingly changeable artistic movements.
The effect of his traditional British education combined with the ambitious, Impressionistic sway of France encouraged McGhee to explore a distinct style of representation upon his return to his native Scotland in 1904. Settling in the fishing village of Pittenweem on the Firth of Forth, McGhee began to represent the sea and landscapes around him. Life in the fishing village proved to be a source of great inspiration to the artist, who later began to capture the people and fishermen of his adopted home in his work.
McGhee was a celebrated seascape artist, and became known as an accomplished portraitist in the early 1910s. His work was widely exhibited in both Glasgow and London, and the artist first participated in a Royal Academy exhibition in 1911. McGhee enjoyed great success throughout his long career. His joy in, and talent for, painting the sea views and industrial people around him en plain air encouraged his artistic approach to develop considerably, his color palette and swiftness of brushwork inspired by the changeable coastal scenery in which he revealed. The artist died in 1952.
Provenance purchased from a fine art dealer and artist biography and other information verso.
We select & sell our paintings based solely upon subject, quality & significance.
Condition report, offered in fine used condition. The canvas is in very good order, the frame having general wear, scuffs, minor chips & some paint loss commensurate with usage & age.
We offer our clients exceptional professional customer service.
International buyers worldwide shipping is available please ask for a quote.
Viewings are welcome by appointment only for customer support please send a message thank you.
Browse our other exciting collections available in our shop gallery, happy shopping.

Dimensions in centimetres of the frame

High (60cm)
Wide (49.5cm)
Depth (3.5cm)