Sir James Guthrie

James Guthrie originally enrolled at Glasgow University to study law, but in 1877 abandoned this in favour of painting. Largely self-taught, he was strongly influenced by the French Realists, especially Jules Bastien-Lepage, and was associated with the Glasgow Boys. In 1885, Guthrie turned to portraiture, which became the basis of his subsequent career. He established portrait studies in both Glasgow and London and gained an international reputation for his work. Guthrie was elected an associate of the Royal Scottish Academy in 1888, a full academician in 1892, and president in 1902, a post that he held until 1919.

Text © National Portrait Gallery, London