The Golden Age of Glasgow’s Art Trade: October 1926 – Business Jubilee – Presentation to a Glasgow Auctioneer – Mr David Dick

An article on page six of The Glasgow Herald, on Friday the 15th of October, 1926, reads:

 

“BUSINESS JUBILEE

PRESENTATION TO A GLASGOW AUCTIONEER

 

On the occasion of the attainment of his jubilee in business, Mr David Dick,

of the firm of Messrs Morrison Dick and McChlery, auctioneers and valuators,

96 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, was last night presented with gifts from his

staff and from his many friends in the city. The presentations were made at a

dinner, whist drive, and dance, held in celebration of the event in the North

Gallery of the Crown Halls. On behalf of the staff Mr John B. Crawford

handed over a silver tea service, and Mr Muirhead Moffatt [sic] presented a silver

tray from Mr Dick’s friends. Mr Muirhead Moffatt [sic] intimated that arrangements

had been made by the Fine Art Dealers Association for a portrait of Mr Dick

to be painted by Mr J. B. Anderson, and he hoped that when the painting was

finished it would be hung in the office of the Crown Halls, that it might be an

incentive to the younger members of the staff to endeavour to follow Mr Dick’s

example. (Applause.)

 

Mr Dick said he accepted the gifts as tokens of the friendship that had grown

up between them during those long years. They would be retained in his family

as mementoes of the esteem in which they held a man who tried to do his best

as long as he was able. (Applause.)

 

Mr J. C. McChlery, who also replied, joined in the congratulations.

 

A BUSY LIFE

 

Mr Dick, who is a native of Glasgow, began his business career in the offices of

Messrs Arthur and Co., and he was subsequently for a time in the Glasgow School

Board offices. On the death of his father, who was a partner of the firm of Messrs

Morrison, Dick and McCulloch, Mr Dick left the employment of the School Board

and joined the firm with which he has now been associated for the past 50 years.

That business, which was begun in premises in Virginia Street, was afterwards

transferred to Renfield Street, and 68 years ago the Crown Halls were erected on

the initiative of the late Bailie Morrison, who was then the head of the firm. At a

later date Mr McChlery joined the firm, and on the death of Mr McCulloch the

designation was changed to that of Morrison, Dick and McChlery. Among other

interests Mr Dick has for many years taken a prominent part in the work of the

Glasgow Foundry Boys’ Society. He is a director of the organisation, and has

been chairman of the Blackfriars branch for fifteen years. Three of his four sons

were killed in the war.”

 

 

George Fairfull-Smith, August 2022.