There aren't many with as great a stature or with such an incredibly successful career that could rightly be the subject for three of Scotland's most recognisable artists new portraits - which would eventually be recreated into 50ft murals and dotted around Glasgow City Centre... then there is Sir Billy Connolly!
After an outstanding 50 years in the business, celebrating his milestone 75th birthday and recently being knighted by the Duke Of Cambridge, it seems only right that this Glasgow born comedian would be bestowed such a gift, commissioned by the BBC. It also only seems right to have one of the worlds most notable artists do the honors of capturing this National Treasure in all his glory, and that could only be Mr Jack Vettriano.
a self confessed huge fan of Connolly, Vettriano's depiction 'Dr Connolly I Presume?' was inspired by his prolific television career and in particular, a memorable 1994 'piece to camera' featuring a seriously windswept Billy on a storm-lashed coast near John O’Groats. Completely embodying the unique style and technique that Vettriano is famed for, this is a perfect portrayal of the performer in Connolly and with his arms spread, he is welcoming his audience openly. It is his good-natured and humorous approach to life that many admire, and Vettriano has caught that spot on.
The work has been widely acclaimed since it was put on display alongside the other two portraits of Billy at the People's Palace between June to November of last year, and also featured in the BBC Scotland documentary, 'Billy Connolly: Portrait of a Lifetime.' Even more outstanding than this, it was recreated as a 'larger than life' 50ft mural and painted on the side of a building on Dixon Street, in Billy's home-town Glasgow and this has attracted a lot of media attention.
So with the huge recognition in the world for the artist and the sitter, and for the painting itself, it's no wonder we are absolutely over the moon that Jack has kindly given us the chance to display such a work in our Edinburgh gallery as part of our Jack Vettriano exhibition! We would absolutely love for you to come and see this renowed work of art in the flesh as it takes center stage, along with a show-stopping collection of works which have got the man to the level he is at today! The exhibition will open on Saturday the 24th of March and run until Sunday the 8th of April - and it really is not to be missed!
We look forward to welcoming you to the gallery, if you would like any more information on this particular work then please contact our gallery at edinburgh@robertsonfineart.com and you can see the current full collection of Vettriano's work we have to offer here.