Duncan Macrae, 1905 - 1967. Actor (As Harry McGog)
About this artwork
Macrae’s first stint in pantomime drew criticism from many reviewers who accused him of abandoning his roots in ‘legitimate’ theatre. Although he had entered the world of variety entertainment, Macrae was able to switch effortlessly between dramatic and laugh-a-minute roles. He was described as a comedian of “remarkable parts”; his craggy features and gaunt and gawky frame initially drew comparisons to Tommy Lorne. His talent was indisputable but fellow performers often remarked on his annoying habit of cutting across lines with an ad lib. Macrae reached a wider audience with his television roles in ‘Para Handy’ and his Hogmanay performance of the song ‘The Wee Cock Sparra’. Here Macrae is depicted as the philosopher-poet Harry Magog, the hero of James Bridie’s play ‘Gog and Magog’.
Updated before 2020
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artist:Benno Schotz (1891 - 1984) Scottish
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title:Duncan Macrae, 1905 - 1967. Actor (As Harry McGog)
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date created:1949
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materials:Bronze
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measurements:53.50 cm (height)
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object type:
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credit line:Purchased 1983
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accession number:PG 2593
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gallery:
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depicted:
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subject:
Benno Schotz
Benno Schotz
Born in Estonia, then part of the Russian Empire, Benno Schotz came to Glasgow in 1912 to study engineering at Glasgow Royal Technical College. He started working as a draughtsman with a Clyde shipping firm while taking evening classes at the Glasgow School of Art. He later became Head of the...