Original Watercolour and Gouache
Jack Firth RSW (1917-2010) - Watercolour and Gouache
“Strip Fields, Achagarve”
A bold and beautifully structured Caithness landscape with important 1968 exhibition provenance.
Key Details
Artist: Jack Firth RSW (1917-2010)
Title: Strip Fields, Achagarve
Date: 1968
Medium: Watercolour and gouache
Support: Paper
Signature: Signed lower left
Visible Artwork Size: 30 × 41 cm (11.8 × 16.1 in)
Framed Size: 61 × 68 cm (24.0 × 26.8 in)
Condition: Good overall condition
Provenance: Douglas & Foulis Gallery exhibition label dated 1968; Robert Barr, Edinburgh framers label
Description
Strip Fields, Achagarve is a substantial and highly characteristic work by the Scottish artist Jack Firth RSW.
The painting depicts the geometric agricultural landscape of Achagarve in Caithness, where fields, roads, crofts and distant hills are reduced to a powerful arrangement of colour, line and pattern.
Dramatic grey skies contrast with brightly coloured strip fields, creating a composition that is both recognisably Scottish and strikingly modern in its design.
This work demonstrates the qualities for which Firth became widely respected: confident draughtsmanship, strong structure and an ability to transform the landscape into an arrangement of interlocking shapes and colours whilst retaining a strong sense of place.
Presented behind glass in an attractive modern gilt frame and mount, the painting displays exceptionally well.
About the Artist
Jack Firth RSW (1917-2010) was one of Scotland's most respected watercolour painters. Born in Edinburgh, he studied at Edinburgh College of Art between 1935 and 1939 under William Gillies, John Maxwell and William MacTaggart.
Following military service during the Second World War, Firth established distinguished careers as a painter, lecturer and educator. He later became Art Adviser to Edinburgh Education Department and taught part-time at Edinburgh College of Art.
In 1961 he was elected a member of the Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour, later serving twice as Vice-President. His work was exhibited through leading Scottish galleries including The Scottish Gallery and Open Eye Gallery, Edinburgh.
Provenance and Notes
Retains an original Douglas & Foulis Gallery exhibition label dated 1968. The label identifies the work as Strip Fields, Achagarve, records it as Catalogue No. 16 and shows an exhibition selling price of £30.
Also retaining a Robert Barr, Edinburgh framers label to the reverse.
The Douglas & Foulis exhibition label provides important contemporary provenance and confirms that the work was exhibited through one of Scotland's best-known galleries during the artist's early RSW career.
