Sir Herbert James Gunn R.A. (1893-1964)
The Old Market, Antibes
Born in Glasgow in 1893 James Gunn briefly studied art at Glasgow and Edinburgh Schools of Art before moving to Paris to study at the Academie Julian under J.P. Laurens. He lived in Paris until 1914 painting views both there and in London. After serving with the 10th Scottish Rifles in World War I, Gunn returned to Scotland where he married twice (his second wife became the subject of several of his paintings). In 1929 Gunn turned mainly to portraiture and soon established a successful career in London. His sitters included Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip and the Queen Mother.
Gunn was made a member of the Royal Academy in 1961.
Oil on canvas
Signed ' H J Gunn'
18 x 14 ins
1926
SOLD
Provenance
With Thomas Agnew & Sons Ltd, London
Collection of Lord Beaverbrook, Gun Point, Bahamas
and thence by descent
This charming view of the market at Antibes was owned by the newspaper tycoon and politician William Maxwell Aitken, Lord Beaverbrook and hung in his home, Gun Point, in the Bahamas. Gun Point was given to him as a gift by the Crown as a reward for his assistance during World War II.
Painted during Gunn's visit to Antibes in 1926 this work is executed with a spontaneity, freedom and fluency reminiscent of his pre-war oeuvre. Gunn returned from Antibes via Paris and was to change his signature from 'H. J. Gunn' to 'H. James Gunn' later that year