About this artwork
McKellar initially studied forestry at the University of Aberdeen. A change of career came, however, when he gained a scholarship to study at the Royal College of Music, London. Yet after a period working with the Carl Rosa Opera Company, McKellar decided he did not like the life of an opera singer and instead focused on traditional Scottish songs. He became a household name thanks to the Scottish country dance and music TV show, The White Heather Club, which ran from 1958-68. In 1966 he represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest. Between the mid-1950s and the early 1980s, McKellar recorded more than thirty LPs, selling millions of copies worldwide. This vibrant portrait shows the singer in his characteristic kilt against a backdrop of Scottish scenery.
Updated before 2020
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artist:Mara McGregor (1927 - 2017)
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title:Kenneth McKellar, 1927 - 2010. Lyric tenor and popular singer
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date created:About 1965
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materials:Oil on canvas
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measurements:76.00 x 66.00 cm; Framed: 90.20 x 77.20 x 6.40 cm
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object type:
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credit line:Private Collection on long term loan to the National Galleries of Scotland, 2010
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accession number:PGL 2004
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artwork photographed by:Antonia Reeve