February 1922: Paintings by Mr J. Raeburn Middleton, in His Studio, at 132 West Regent Street

James Raeburn Middleton (1855-1940).

 

An article on page five of The Glasgow Herald, on Tuesday the 14th of February, 1922, reads:

 

“PAINTINGS BY MR J. RAEBURN

MIDDLETON

 

An exhibition of portraits and other paintings by Mr J. Raeburn Middleton was opened in the

studio, 132 West Regent Street, Glasgow, yesterday afternoon by Lord Blythswood. The works

on view admirably illustrate Mr Middleton’s skill in portraiture. Among the subjects are several

well-known citizens, while of special interest is a portrait of Lord Blythswood in the service

uniform of the Scots Guards. Among the other examples of Mr Middleton’s art are a number of

Burmese pictures. In works of this kind he invariably excels. His knowledge of Burmah is intimate,

and his studies of Oriental life and scenery, in which extreme delicacy of colouring is the characteristic

note, form a delightful feature of the display. Other pictures shown draw their inspiration from the

Western Highlands. A large company attended the opening of the exhibition. Among those present

were the Countess of Stair, Lady Blythswood, Miss Fletcher of Saltoun, Mrs Park Barry, Mr and Mrs

William Taylor, Mrs McCowan, Councillor and Mrs Galbraith, and Professor Magnus Maclean.

 

Lord Blythswood, in opening the exhibition, referred in appreciative terms to the portrait of himself,

which, he said, was greatly admired by his family and friends. He regarded Mr Middleton as one of

the foremost of Scottish portrait painters. He had produced excellent portraits of many prominent

citizens, and his glowing canvasses of scenes in Burmah and the East were well known for their high

artistic technique and marvellous drawing. Mr Middleton might be described as the painter of the

East, many of his pictures having been illustrated in books of travel dealing with India and elsewhere.

Glasgow had the distinction of having created a school of painting which was known all over the world,

and Glasgow artists very deservedly took a high place in the realm of art. Among the most distinguished

of the Glasgow artists Mr Middleton fell to be included. He congratulated him on the success which had

attended his efforts in the past and trusted that the exhibition would realise his highest expectations.”

 

 

 

George Fairfull-Smith, August 2022.