A PLASTER PORTRAIT BUST BY THOMAS J. CLAPPERTON (SCOTTISH 1879-1962)
GEORGE HOPE TAIT (SCOTTISH 1861–1943)
Auction: Day 1: Wednesday 20 August - Lots 1 - 296
Description
signed and dated 1929 to the base
Dimensions
43cm high, 34cm wide, 21cm deep
Footnote
Note: Regarded as ‘The Border Sculptor’, Thomas Clapperton studied at the Mechanics Institute in Galashiels before completing his training at the Glasgow School of Art and at Kensington School of Art, as well as the Royal Academy School in London. He became an apprentice to Sir William Goscombe John, one of the most eminent sculptors of the period. After further study in Paris and Rome, Clapperton eventually settled in London and set up a sculptor's studio in Chelsea. His most renowned work is the sculpture of Robert the Bruce at Edinburgh Castle, and other well-regarded works include the frieze at Liberty & Co. in London; ‘The Border Reiver’ at the Galashiels War Memorial, the bust of Sir Walter Scott in Bank Street, Galashiels, and the Flodden Memorial and bronzes surrounding the Mungo Park Memorial in Selkirk. Clapperton is also known for the much-loved Wonderland statue in Oamaru’s Botanical Gardens (New Zealand), the reduction of which was sold in these rooms (Decorative Arts, 01 April 2020, lot 231).
George Hope Tait was born in Innerleithen and was deeply influenced by the Scottish Borders, particularly the nearby Traquair House which he visited frequently. He developed a great interest in Borders history and in its interpretation in literature and art. He later moved to Galashiels, entered the service of painters Milroy & Son, before going into partnership with his brother to form the well-known firm of Tait Brothers. In 1903 he was awarded the first prize for the best decorative panel by Master Painter in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. In 1913 he entered Galashiels Town Council and served on it for over 29 years. He was a skilled graphic artist, designing illustrations, advertisements, labels, book covers, and also a watercolourist, especially of Border landscapes.
It is known that Clapperton and Tait both moved in the artistic circles of the Scottish Borders at the same time and were believed to be friends. This model was also cast in bronze, an example (also dated 1929) is held at the Museum & Gallery Service Headquarters of the Scottish Borders Council, Selkirk. The bust may possibly have been commissioned by Galashiels Town Council from Clapperton in 1929 to commemorative Tait's 15 years of service the previous year. The collection of the Scottish Borders Council also contains several other plaster busts by Clapperton, including one of the Borders artist Tom Scott (1854–1927).