Chalmers, GEORGE PAUL, R.S.A.

Chalmers, GEORGE PAUL, R.S.A., was born at Montrose in 1833 (not 1836). He served as errand-boy to a surgeon, and apprentice to a ship-chandler; but he was resolved to become an artist, and in 1853 he came to Edinburgh, and studied under Scott Lauder. His 'Favourite Air,' attracted attention in 1854, and in 1867 he was elected an A.R.S.A., in 1871 an R.S.A. His untimely death at Edinburgh (28th February 1878) was due to injuries received some days before either from violence or by misadventure. His works are distinguished by admirable breadth, effective concentration of lighting, freedom of handling, and rich and powerful colouring. He executed some important portraits. His landscapes, mainly of his later years, include 'End of the Harvest' (1873) and 'Running Water' (1875). He is represented in the National Gallery of Scotland by 'The Legend,' a large unfinished subject-picture, which, like 'Prayer' (1871), has been etched by Rajon. See his Memoir (1879).