William Marshall Brown, the Atmospheric Figurative Artist

The Bait Gatherers - painting by William Marshall Brown, Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum, Warwickshire, England — The Bait Gatherers – painting by William Marshall Brown, Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum, Warwickshire, England

William Marshall Brown, a distinguished Scottish artist was born on January 3, 1863 in Edinburgh.

While working as a wood engraver and book illustrator, Marshall Brown studied art at the Edinburgh College of Art and at the Royal Scottish Academy Life School.

Though he painted landscapes and portraits, he is best known for his atmospheric figurative work with a background of landscapes or seascapes.

In 1888, Marshall Brown received the Chalmers Bursary and Stewart Prize.

The Royal Scottish Academy (RSA) is a Scottish organisation that promotes contemporary Scottish art. In 1909, Marshall Brown became an Associate of the Royal Scottish Academy (ARSA). In 1928, he became a member of the Academy (RSA). In 1929 became a Member of the Royal Scottish Watercolour Society.

Marshall Brown worked mostly in Scotland and lived for some time in Edinburgh and at Cockburnspath in Berwickshire. Though not a native of East Lothian like many other artists, he too captivated by the coast, the landscape and its inhabitants spent many years working in the county. Many of his paintings such as the farm workers, fisher girls, etc., were characteristic of his times. And, the East Lothian connection can often be seen in the details like the bonnets, creels, and baskets.

A Breton Washing Pool - painting by William Marshall Brown, Royal Scottish Academy of Art & Architecture — A Breton Washing Pool – painting by William Marshall Brown, Royal Scottish Academy of Art & Architecture

Like many of his Scottish contemporaries, Marshall Brown made frequent trips to Holland and Brittany in France. In “A Breton Washing Pool,” Marshal Brown has captured a group of Breton women working on the shoreline, possibly near the town of Concarneau.

Sardine Fishers, Concarneau, France - painting by William Marshall Brown, City of Edinburgh Council. — Sardine Fishers, Concarneau, France – painting by William Marshall Brown, City of Edinburgh Council.

He created his work “Sardine Fishers” in Concarneau, France.

Marshall Brown’s work is held in many museums, including the City of Edinburgh Collection, Berwick Museum & Art Gallery, Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum in Warwickshire, Dundee Art Galleries and Museums Collections, Hunterian Art Gallery, Paisley Museum and Art Galleries, Royal Scottish Academy of Art & Architecture, etc.

William Marshall Brown died on April 26, 1936.

Here are some works of William Marshall Brown:

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