John James Bannatyne

{{Short description|Scottish painter and watercolourist}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2022}}

John James Bannatyne RSW (1832 – 7 September 1911) was a late 19th and early 20th century Scottish painter and watercolourist specialising in Highland landscapes and seascapes.

Life

John James Bannatyne was born in 1832{{cite web|title=1841 BANNITINE, JOHN (Census 644/1 123/ 5)|work=Census returns 1841|accessdate=6 Apr 2023|url=http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk|publisher=ScotlandsPeople|url-access=subscription}}{{cite web|title=1851 BANNATYNE, JOHN (Census 644/1 176/ 4)|work=Census returns 1851|accessdate=6 Apr 2023|url=http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk|publisher=ScotlandsPeople|url-access=subscription}} in Glasgow.{{cite web|title=1891 BANNATYNE, JOHN J (Census 644/9 44/ 7)|work=Census returns 1891|accessdate=22 Nov 2022|url=http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/content/help/index.aspx?r=554&402|publisher=ScotlandsPeople|url-access=subscription}} to John Bannatyne, a mercantile clerk, and Isabella Bannatyne (née Kelly).{{cite web|title=1905 BANNATYNE, JOHN JAMES (Statutory registers Marriages 644/9 69)|work=Statutory registers Marriages|accessdate=22 Nov 2022|url=http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/content/help/index.aspx?r=554&402|publisher=ScotlandsPeople|url-access=subscription}}

His career, prior to becoming an artist, was as a designer with the calico printing company, Dalglish, Falconer & Co Ltd.Scotsman (newspaper) 2 November 1911The Times (newspaper) Obituary: Mr J.J. Bannatyne R.S.W. 12 September 1911

An article in The Scotsman, written on his death in 1911Scotsman (newspaper) 11 September 1911 states:

"Mr Bannatyne...began his career as a designer in Glasgow, but taking up art, he went to London, exhibiting many water-colours at the Royal Academy and other exhibitions. Later he worked in oils. Most of his pictures were landscapes and he found his subjects as a rule on the West Coast and in the Western Highlands. He returned to Glasgow twenty-one years ago. Mr Bannatyne was an original member of the Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Water Colours and joined the Royal Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts and the Art Club."

He exhibited extensively. His works were exhibited at the Royal Academy (5) from 1869 to 1886 and Royal Scottish Academy(28) from 1861 to 1897. He also exhibited at the Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolours(70), Royal Institute of Oil Painters(10), Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours(13), Royal Society of British Artists(9), Royal Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts (84).Peter J.M. McEwan (1994). The Dictionary of Scottish Art and Architecture. Antique Collectors' Club. p. 61. {{ISBN|1-85149-134-1}}.{{Cite book|url=https://www.oxfordartonline.com/benezit/view/10.1093/benz/9780199773787.001.0001/acref-9780199773787-e-00011166|title=Benezit Dictionary of Artists, 2011|publisher=Oxford University Press|doi=10.1093/benz/9780199773787.article.B00011166 |isbn=978-0-19-977378-7 |url-access=subscription}}

Bannatyne’s painting was influenced by the Pre-Raphaelite movement. At his best, his painting was regarded as presenting delicate views of the Highlands with good effects of sunsets and moonlight, often reflected in water.Julian Halsby (1986). Scottish Watercolourists, 1740 -1940. B.T. Batsford Ltd. p. 108. {{ISBN|0-7134-1868-0}}.

He was elected to Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolours in 1878{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsw.org.uk/about-us/past-members/|title=Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolours - Past Members}}

He wed late in life, marrying Catherine Semple (née Burns) in 1905 in Glasgow.{{cite web|title=1905 BANNATYNE, JOHN JAMES (Statutory registers Marriages 644/9 69)|work=Statutory registers Marriages|accessdate=22 Nov 2022|url=http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/content/help/index.aspx?r=554&402|publisher=ScotlandsPeople|url-access=subscription}}

He died at the Gatehouse, Loch an Eilein, Rothiemurchus on 7 September 1911{{cite web|title=1911 BANNATYNE, JOHN JAMES (Statutory registers Deaths 096/B2 3)|work=Statutory registers Deaths|accessdate=22 Nov 2022|url=http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/content/help/index.aspx?r=554&402|publisher=ScotlandsPeople|url-access=subscription}} and is buried in Cathcart Cemetery, Glasgow.

Fellow Glasgow artist John Henderson (painter) was appointed a Trustee of Bannatyne's will. Both John Henderson and his brother, Joseph Morris Henderson were among the main beneficiaries of the will{{cite web|title=1911 Bannatyne, John James (Wills and testaments Reference SC36/51/156, Glasgow Sheriff Court Wills)|work=Wills and testaments|accessdate=27 Nov 2022|url=http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/content/help/index.aspx?r=554&402|publisher=ScotlandsPeople|url-access=subscription}}

Known works

  • Misty Day, Sound of Kilbrannon{{Cite web|url=https://artuk.org/discover/artworks/misty-day-sound-of-kilbrannon-214528|title=Art UK - Misty Day, Sound of Kilbrannon, Rozelle House Galleries, Ayr}} Rozelle House Galleries, Ayr
  • Lochranza, Isle of Arran{{Cite web|url=https://artuk.org/discover/artworks/lochranza-isle-of-arran-215224|title=Art UK - Lochranza, Isle of Arran, Gracefield Arts Centre, Dumfries}} Gracefield Arts Centre, Dumfries

References