Art of John Murray Thomson going under hammer

A COLLECTION that gives an insight into the working life of a highly regarded Scottish artist is to be auctioned in Perth.

Everything from the paint brushes John Murray Thomson worked with to dozens of finished paintings have come to light in a house in the Strathearn area.

Thomson (1885-1974) was born in Crieff and educated at Morrison’s Academy before attending Edinburgh School of Art.

After graduating, he built a reputation as one of the country’s leading animal artists and his work was much in demand.

After he died, his possessions passed to a family member who had lovingly preserved the artist’s legacy, which includes sketches and personal letters.

Now hundreds of items in more than 50 lots are to be sold at Lindsay Burns and Company, Auctioneers, King Street, on April 25 and 26.

“It is a fabulous insight into the world of a prominent Scottish painter from the early part of the 20th Century,” said auctioneer Nick Burns. “It shows his enthusiasm and passion for his subject matter and his broad range of output.”

As well as dogs, horses, goats, rabbits and poultry he turned his hand to pictures of salmon and even penguins.

In later life, he was troubled with eye problems which prevented him from painting.

Jordan and Togs need more room.

Nick Burns with two of the paintings.