March 1926: Art in Glasgow – Sculptures by Mr Benno Schotz

An article on page thirteen of The Glasgow Herald, on Friday the 26th of March, 1926, reads:

 

“ART IN GLASGOW

SCULPTURES BY MR BENNO SCHOTZ

 

For some years past the sculptures of Mr Benno Schotz have attracted much attention at the

annual exhibitions of the Royal Scottish Academy and the Royal Glasgow Institute. That he

has been able to show important works at these exhibitions from year to year proves

conclusively that his success is not ephemeral, but that he has gained an honoured place among

present-day sculptors. It is not surprising, therefore, to learn that the comprehensive collection of

his works which are at present on view in the gallery of Messrs Alex. Reid and Son, 117 West

George Street, Glasgow, has aroused a great deal of interest among patrons of art in the West

of Scotland. A ‘one-man show’ of sculptures is in itself a rare occurrence in Glasgow; for in the

field of sculpture there has not been so much activity as in that of painting, but no one

interested in the art of sculpture should omit to see an exhibition so varied and so novel as that

now in progress in Messrs Reid’s gallery. Although Mr Schotz has been exhibiting at the

Scottish Academy and Glasgow Institute and elsewhere for a considerable time, it is only about

three years ago since he devoted himself wholly to art, and the 40 works now on view, some of

them of considerable size, bear testimony to his energy and versatility. The majority are in

bronze, and none in the collection is without artistic significance and value.

 

A number of the exhibits are portrait busts, several of them being busts of well-known men,

including Lord Weir, Dr Pittendrigh Macgillivray, Mr James McBey, Mr John Keppie, and Mr

Hugh Walpole. All these busts, which are subtly modelled, have style and character, the portraits

of the individual sitters being admirably expressed from all points of view. ‘Cecile,’ a half-length

in plaster of a lady holding a lily, is expressive of a sense of rhythmic beauty which is very pleasing.

There are a number of other figure subjects of vital and decorative form. Palpitating with life and

with something of classic beauty is a bronze entitled ‘Boy Bather.’ Another outstanding work is a

delightful child study, ‘Betty,’ while notable achievements in plastic expression are ‘Reverie,’

‘Reflection,’ ‘The Song,’ ‘A Ghetto Jew,’ ‘Job,’ and a sketch design of figure relief for a hospital

dedication panel. The artist’s first essay in wood sculpture is represented by a head vigorously

expressed. The collection also includes a large work in stone which possesses both force and

interest.”