RSA Artists in Cupar: Charles Lees RSA , Robert Scott Lauder RSA and Henry Gamley RSA
Charles Lees RSA was born in Cupar, Fife in 1800. He became a celebrated artist and served the RSA as its Treasurer for many years. This exhibition at the Cupar Museaum & Heritage Centre tells the story of his background, career and the scandal of his runaway marriage. His heiress wife Elizabeth tells her own story of their journey to Italy in her diary.
Four artworks illustrate the Lees story:
A portrait of Charles Lees RSA as a young man by Robert Scott Lauder RSA, Baberton House the Edinburgh home of his young wife painted by Lees, a self portrait painted in old age and a print of his most famous painting The Golfers at St Andrews Links, 1847.
Also in Cupar:
After the First World War the people of Cupar wanted a unique memorial to local men and women who were among the fallen. The Town Council asked the RSA to recommend a sculptor and Henry Snell Gamley RSA, (1865-1928) was selected to undertake the work. His war memorial Angel of Peace was unveiled on 29 April 1922 by Field Marshall Douglas Haig. It sits in a key position in the centre of Cupar.
The Museum is open to visitors between 15 April and 31st October. Regular hours are Wednesday, Friday and Sundays 2 – 4.30pm and at other times by arrangement.