John Murray Thomson R.s.a R.s.w (Scottish, 1885-1974) - Portrait of a Terrier. Oil on Board.

A portrait of a terrier by Scottish artist John Murray Thomson (1885-1974). John Murray Thompson taught 'Animal Drawing and Painting' at Edinburgh College of Art between 1933-1944. This work likely dates from that period in his career.

The work is beautifully done. The dog masterfully emerging from confidently placed thick brush strokes. The background has strokes of earthy greens and browns, with the natural colour of the board radiating out beneath.

A similar portrait of the same dog in the same style by John Murray Thomson emerged at Bonhams in July last year (see 'The Dog Sale', Bonhams, 23 July 2025, Lot 136). This work appears unsigned, however there is the faintest hint of a pencil 'n' to the far lower right when viewed under a loupe. The Bonhams example also bears a pencil signature to lower right which had heavily faded, such that it had been re-signed by the artist to the lower left. The work is housed in a thin period wood frame.

A skilful and charming dog portrait.

THE ARTIST

John Murray Thomson was born 17 th December 1885 at Ayr, educated at Morrison's Academy, Crieff, and went to Edinburgh to study art. Later he worked in Paris at the Academie Julian. In the School of Painting of the Royal Scottish Academy he was awarded the Carnegie Travelling Scholarship, prizes for the best painting and drawing from the Life and for the best picture by a student in the R.S.A. Exhibition.

After years of study at home and abroad he returned to his first loves as subjects for his pictures-animals and birds in their natural settings. Humbler fellow creatures, both wild and tame had always been his interest and he had a kind of affinity with them. This sympathy and understanding also extended to children and young people with whom he was very popular. Serious eye trouble prevented his doing any painting for five years but on their partial recovery (one wye was permanently affected) he produced much work and was well supported, particularly by the Scottish public. His work in oil and watercolour was exhibited in the leading Art Exhibitions of Britain. The first picture he sent to the Royal Academy in London was hung on the line. He is represented in the permanent collections of the Scottish Modern Arts Association - Perth, Paisley and Aberdeen- an in many private collections at home and throughout the Commonwealth and also in North and South America.

For eleven years he taught Animal Drawing and Painting at Edinburgh College of Art until these classes were discontinued in 1944. He was an ex-President of the Society of Scottish Artists.

Dimensions (framed):-

Length: 38cm

Height: 30cm

Depth: 2cm

DELIVERY

UK Mainland: FREE

International Delivery: Please contact us for a shipping quote.

PAYMENT

We accept payment via debit card, credit card, Paypal, bank transfer or cheque. We also offer a 'Pay In 3' payment service through our website.

RETURNS

We are sure that you will be delighted with your purchase. Nonetheless, to ensure you have complete peace of mind, we offer a 14 day money back guarantee.

The purchased item may be returned, in its original condition, within 14 days from receipt. Return carriage costs are the responsibility of the buyer. For larger pieces requiring a specialist courier service, we will arrange your return for you with the cost being deducted from the refund (this cost will never exceed the original charge paid).

We ask that a trackable signature method of shipping is used for the return of smaller items as we cannot be held responsible for items lost in transit.

Should you have any queries at all, please do not hesitate to contact us.