A photographic portrait of artist Alec Fraser (1868-1939). This image accompanied an obituary for the painter, titled 'Death of a well-known Aberdeen artist' in the Bon-Accord and Northern Pictorial newspaper of 27th April 1939, page 8.

The obituary states Fraser collapsed outside his home after his usual walk. He was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary but was found to be dead on arrival. Aged 71 at his death, Alexander "Alec" Fraser was one of Aberdeen's best known artists and was a former head of Gray's School of Art.

Fraser had trained as a lithographer prior to becoming a full-time artist. He studied at Gray's School of Art and received training in Edinburgh and Paris.

He was appointed head of Gray's in 1914 and served in that role for 20 years. His obituary highlights his skill as a landscape painter in the impressionistic manner, and notes that he did many fine portraits and genre subjects.

One of his specialities was the coloured etching, a technique he is said to have pioneered and to have continued to develop for much of his career.

The Post Office Directory for 1938-39 gives Fraser's address as 214 Union Street. He was a member of the Northern Arts Club and the Aberdeen Business and Professional Club.

Location

Aberdeen

Keyword

Portraits

Photographer