Majel Davidson

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Majel Davidson
Born
Margaret Elizabeth Davidson

1885
Cults, Aberdeen
Died1969 (aged 83–84)
NationalityBritish
Alma materGray's School of Art
Known forPainting, pottery

Margaret Elizabeth Davidson, known as Majel Davidson, (1885-1969) was a Scottish artist known for her painting and pottery work.

Biography[]

Davidson was born at Cults in Aberdeen and attended Aberdeen High School before studying painting and pottery at Gray's School of Art from 1904 to 1907.[1] A scholarship award allowed her to study in Paris throughout 1908 and 1909 with the artist Charles Guérin.[2][1] and in Rome in 1910.[3] Davidson exhibited at the Salon d'Automne in 1912. During World War One she served as a volunteer ambulance driver, earning the Military Medal for her work.[1][3]

In 1923 Davidson moved to Toronto and for a time was associated with the circle of artists known as the Group of Seven, which led to her paintings becoming increasing impressionist and bolder in their use of colour.[2] When Davidson returned to Scotland she took a role with the International Council of Women and in her artistic career chose to concentrate on producing pottery and had a kiln built at the family home in Cults.[1][4] Named Gushetneuk Pottery, after the Doric dialect word for an odd corner of a field, several pieces are on display at the Aberdeen Art Gallery, including a fine art deco rosebowl.[3]

In the 1950s Davidson moved to the female community, known as the Powis Family, or The Powis House Ladies, at Powis House near Stirling and resumed painting.[4][5] Davidson exhibited several times with the Aberdeen Artists Society and in 1989 the Portland Gallery held a joint show of her work alongside that of Alexander Graham Munro.[1][2] In 2004, the Macrobert Art Centre held an exhibition of her work.[5]

Further reading[]

  • Majel Davidson 1885-1969, an Artist's Life and Influences, 1984, (13 pages), published by the MacRobert Art Centre Gallery, University of Stirling.

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e David Buckman (2006). Artists in Britain Since 1945 Vol 1, A to L. Art Dictionaries Ltd. ISBN 0 953260 95 X.
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b c Peter J.M. McEwan (1994). The Dictionary of Scottish Art and Architecture. Antique Collectors' Club. ISBN 1 85149 134 1.
  3. ^ Jump up to: a b c "Majel Davidson and Gushetneuk pottery". womenhistoryscotland.org. Retrieved 21 February 2020.
  4. ^ Jump up to: a b Paul Harris & Julian Halsby (1990). The Dictionary of Scottish Painters 1600 to the Present. Canongate. ISBN 1 84195 150 1.
  5. ^ Jump up to: a b "People in Logie Powis House" (PDF). blairlogie-scotland.org. Retrieved 21 February 2020.
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