Sir William Orpen N.E.A.C., R.A., H.R.H.A. (Irish, 1878-1931) – The Swinton Family
This 1901 portrait by Sir William Orpen of the Swinton family is among the highlights at Bonhams Modern British and Irish art sale in London on June 24. Painted at their home in Pont St., London shortly after Orpen had begun to exhibit at the New English Art Club it shows Captain George Sitwell Campbell-Swinton (1859-1937), of Kimmerghame House, near Duns in the Scottish Borders, his wife Elsie (1874-1966) standing and her children, Mary (1899-1984) and Alan (1896-1972), with the family terrier. Alan, grandfather of the Scottish film actress, Tilda Swinton, has his head framed by an ancient armorial chest. He would eventually inherit the title of sixth Laird of Kimmerghame. Orpen with his easel is reflected in the mirror. The estimate is £120,000-180,000 (€140,000-210,000).
