Early 20Thc Scottish Plaster Portrait Bust Of George Tait By Thomas Clapperton

The finely modelled early 20th-century Scottish plaster portrait bust of the artist, designer and civic figure George Hope Tait (1865–1950), executed in 1929 by the noted Borders sculptor Thomas J. Clapperton (1879–1962) and cast with a quiet naturalism typical of Clapperton’s portrait work, the sitter shown turned slightly to his left with a sensitively observed expression, the surface retaining its original chalky studio finish and exhibiting the sculptor’s characteristic hand-worked texture across the coat and collar, stamped as such to the base and of museum quality.

The bust is in very good all-round order with no damages to speak of other than a small hairline to one flank as photographed.

Regarded as ‘The Border Sculptor’, Thomas Clapperton studied at the Mechanics Institute in Galashiels before completing his training at the Glasgow School of Art and at Kensington School of Art, as well as the Royal Academy School in London. He became an apprentice to Sir William Goscombe John, one of the most eminent sculptors of the period. After further study in Paris and Rome, Clapperton eventually settled in London and set up a sculptor's studio in Chelsea. His most renowned work is the sculpture of Robert the Bruce at Edinburgh Castle, and other well-regarded works include the frieze at Liberty & Co. in London; ‘The Border Reiver’ at the Galashiels War Memorial, the bust of Sir Walter Scott in Bank Street, Galashiels, and the Flodden Memorial and bronzes surrounding the Mungo Park Memorial in Selkirk. Clapperton is also known for the much-loved Wonderland statue in Oamaru’s Botanical Gardens in New Zealand.

George Hope Tait was born in Innerleithen and was deeply influenced by the Scottish Borders, particularly the nearby Traquair House which he visited frequently. He developed a great interest in Borders history and in its interpretation in literature and art. He later moved to Galashiels, entered the service of painters Milroy & Son, before going into partnership with his brother to form the well-known firm of Tait Brothers. In 1903 he was awarded the first prize for the best decorative panel by Master Painter in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. In 1913 he entered Galashiels Town Council and served on it for over 29 years. He was a skilled graphic artist, designing illustrations, advertisements, labels, book covers, and also a watercolourist, especially of Border landscapes.

It is known that Clapperton and Tait both moved in the artistic circles of the Scottish Borders at the same time and were believed to be friends. This model was also cast in bronze, an example (also dated 1929) is held at the Museum & Gallery Service Headquarters of the Scottish Borders Council, Selkirk. The bust may possibly have been commissioned by Galashiels Town Council from Clapperton in 1929 to commemorative Tait's 15 years of service the previous year. The collection of the Scottish Borders Council also contains several other plaster busts by Clapperton, including one of the Borders artist Tom Scott (1854–1927).

A substantial and characterful Borders portrait, notable both for its authorship by Thomas J. Clapperton; one of Scotland’s most respected sculptors of the period, and for its direct connection to George Hope Tait, whose artistic and civic influence shaped the cultural landscape of Galashiels for decades.

A quietly powerful studio work that bridges art, local history and personal association and a rare survival of a documented plaster model from Clapperton’s studio, produced at the time he was nearing the height of his reputation.