Meffan Museum and Art Gallery
James Watterston Herald Collection
James Watterston Herald was born on the 29th of July 1859, at 53 Little Causeway, Forfar. He was the son of a shoemaker, William Herald, who was said to have encouraged his early artistic efforts. From a young age Herald was encouraged to pursue his artistic ambitions and over the years his interests developed into an outstanding talent.
Herald is known mostly for his studies in water-colours and pastels, his water-colours are described as being decorative and imaginative. His work attracts many visitors, possibly due to his paintings of the local area and many local connections.
James Watterston Herald studied as a child at Forfar Academy, where he was described as a bad yet dreamy pupil, due to him opposing formal education regimes. Herald felt Forfar had very little to offer artistically, so he enrolled at Dundee High School where he was awarded a prize for excellence in drawing.
After a short spell in Edinburgh and ten years in London, Herald returned to Scotland and took up residence in Arbroath around 1900, where he was to remain for the rest of his life, quietly working without strain and pressure in his studio in Commerce Street or at his home in Bank Street. Herald was unmarried and was seen as a bit of a recluse in his art and his life. He was content to earn no more than a living. He was well read and could converse intelligently on any subject. He was also a good violinist and it may be said that he loved his violin as he did his paintbrush. He died at the age of 55 on the 17th October 1914. He was ill for a considerable time before his death and he is buried in the Western Cemetery in Arbroath.
About this collection
This collection is probably the most comprehensive in Scotland of the work of the artist.
What are the highlights of the collection
The collection is not entirely of works from Angus, amongst the 37 pieces displayed in the Meffan Museum and Art Gallery from the collection, is the particularly fine Pastel Drawing - ‘Country Scene’ by James Watterston Herald.
How can I find out more
Almost all of this collection is on display. Wheelchair access to this display is not possible, alternative arrangements to see items from the collection can be made by appointment.
© Angus Council 1998 - 2008