John Maclaren Barclay John Maclaren Barclay, 1811 - 1886. Artist (Self-portrait) About 1870

Biography

Born 1811
Died 1886
Nationality Scottish
Birth place Perth
Death place Edinburgh

Originally an engineering apprentice, Barclay studied painting at the Trustees’ Academy in Edinburgh under William Allan. He then settled in his native town Perth where he successfully established himself as a portrait painter. The commission in 1862 for a full-length portrait of George Augustus Frederick Murray, 6th Duke of Atholl, marked a turning point in his career. He moved with his family to Edinburgh soon after. Barclay became an Associate of the Royal Scottish Academy in 1863, and a full member in 1871. He was close friends with painter and pioneer photographer David Octavius Hill and with miniature painter Kenneth Macleay, both of whom also sat to Barclay.