Works of art make return

A north-east country mansion has welcomed back two paintings after 60 years.

Pitmedden House, near Ellon, is now displaying two works from John Duncan, a Dundee artist who was active in the first half of the 20th century.

The paintings belonged to the property’s former owner Major James Keith and have not hung there since the National Trust for Scotland took control of the building in the 1950s.

The striking Ivory, Apes and Peacocks has been exhibited in Edinburgh Zoo for decades, while the Anima Celtica was most recently featured as part of a Celtic revival art works at a gallery in London last year.

Dozens of people packed a recent event at the house where the paintings were officially unveiled.

“We’ve waited a long time for this and I’m delighted”

Michelle Foot, a teaching fellow in the history of art at Edinburgh College of Art delivered a presentation about John Duncan’s life and the inspiration for his work.

Meanwhile, Professor Ian Mitchell Davidson, former National Trust for Scotland Building Surveyor of 30 years, spoke about his personal quest to see the paintings returned to the site.

Susan Burgess, property manager and head gardener at the estate, said: “After the National Trust for Scotland was gifted Pitmedden Garden and Estate by Major James Keith a number of valuable items were taken away for display elsewhere.

“It’s great that they are now starting to filter back, this is just the beginning. We’ve waited a long time for this moment and I’m absolutely delighted.”