Joseph Bartholemew Kidd R.S.A. (Scottish, 1808-1889)

Abbotsford, the Seat of Sir Walter Scott Bart.

Details
Joseph Bartholemew Kidd R.S.A. (Scottish, 1808-1889)
Abbotsford, the Seat of Sir Walter Scott Bart.
signed 'J B Kidd R.S.A.' (lower left) signed and inscribed 'Oil Painting in Gold frame/Abbotsford/by J B Kidd R.S.A. (from the Artist Sir Walter Scott himself pointed out to the Artist what he thought the best position/for taking the sketch, see letter from artist/to A R' - (on a label attached to the stretcher)
oil on canvas

Lot Essay

Though little is known of Joseph Bartolemew Kidd's early life, he was born in Edinburgh in 1808 and first exhibited at the Carlisle Academy in 1826. Although he appears to have been involved with the establishment of the Royal Scottish Academy, he soon decided to settle in London, where he exhibited at the British Institution, and remained until his death.

In 1833, he exhibited a larger version of this painting at the British Institution, London which presumably records a similar view of Abbotsford from above the river Tweed.

The grounds of Abbotsford were purchased in 1812 by Sir Walter Scott and building commenced on the house in 1822 to plans prepared by the Edinburgh architect William Atkinson. The estate was later enlarged by the purchase of further land from the Ushers of Toftfield.

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