Last of the Year

Ever-busy with new acquisitions

A busy end to 2024; more miles travelled, more works acquired, all of which may be seen in our New Works page. Highlights include this large oil pastel on board by Norman Cornish. Men at Bar is an important and seminal work, true museum quality, the like of which I’m not sure we’ll come across again; acquired this week from a private collection in Yorkshire. It has everything, men leaning against the bar, men reading the paper, beer glasses, even darts players. Just wonderful.

Alice Campbell

Also just received are three new paintings by the talented young artist, Alice Campbell. We’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, we’ve worked with Alice now since post-graduation in 2018, and she just gets better and better. I truly believe that Solstice Gathering is the finest most accomplished work from Alice to-date.

Wee boy with a green cardigan

Wee boy with a Green Cardigan is a wonderful example of Joan Eardley’s depiction of the Samson children in the then deprived Townhead area of Glasgow in the late 50s into the early 60s. Tender without sentimentality; sublime.

The finest Tessa Newcomb

International School of Boatbuilding is about as good a Tessa Newcomb painting as you’ll ever see. For decades a well-known talented artist, this large oil is reminiscent of works by the likes of Paul Nash and the like; it has that early 20^th century quality of style, composition and a subtle use of colour and tone, one we were thrilled to acquire.

Into 2025

One of the first things we’ll be introducing folks to in January will be a collection of paintings by the late Robin Ball (1910 – 1979). Robin had a successful art-career and served in the second world war, during which time, and in the few years before, he captured both army and civilian life in the lead up to and during the war. The painting shown here is one such example; Gas Masks 1938. More to come into the new year.

Thanks so much to all who have supported us through 2024 and before; without you, what we try to do every day at Castlegate wouldn’t be possible into 2025. It’s hugely appreciated.

Steve and Christine