About this artwork

Charles Lees made several oil studies in preparation for ‘The Golfers’, his first major sporting painting. Completed in 1847, the painting features over fifty individual portraits. As well as using photographs of some of the golfers for reference, Lees made numerous sketches. This unfinished oil is of the well-known and popular caddie Sandy Pirrie, who was also active as a golfer in 1847. As in the finished painting, his bushy sideburns stick out from under his cap and he holds a set of golf clubs under his left arm. He is given a prominent position in the painting - standing just to the right of the centre, his stance mirroring the figure opposite.

Updated before 2020

  • artist:
    Charles Lees (1800 - 1880) Scottish
  • title:
    Sandy Pirrie, active 1847. Golfer
  • date created:
    About 1847
  • materials:
    Oil on paper
  • measurements:
    50.80 x 31.70 cm; Framed: 66.60 x 53.80 x 2.00 cm
  • object type:
  • accession number:
    PG 2021
  • gallery:
  • depicted:
  • subject:
  • artwork photographed by:
    Antonia Reeve
Does this text contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Tell us what you think.

Charles Lees

Charles Lees