Art Treasures of Kinloch Castle

JOHN BULLOUGH

Father of Sir George Bullough, Bt.

Written from first-hand, on-going research, and illustrated from his personal photographic archive by George W. Randall, co-founder in 1996 and former

Vice Chairman of Kinloch Castle Friends’ Association.

Above the fireplace in Kinloch Castle’s dining room is the ornate gilded framed portrait of a seated John Bullough who purchased the 26,400 acre island of Rum

in May 1888 for £35,000.

The unlined, medium weight plain weave canvas portrait
measures: 45 x 58 inches (110 x 140 cms.)

Signed HARE in the top left corner in upper case red lettering,

the work is by the Irish artist St. George Hare, 1857 - 1933, and was most likely painted in 1884 for forty-five year old John Bullough's new Highland home,

Meggernie Castle, in the upper reaches of Glen Lyon, Perthshire.

Professionally assessed by an art conservator in March 1996, the oil painting

was found to be in “good and sound condition” throughout,

the numerous pronounced and variable pattern drying cracks across the work being

deemed stable. The frame was “structurally sound.”

Canvas tension was “a little slack, but reasonable”, with “some bulging along the lower edge, probably caused by dropped wedges.” No tears or losses were found.

Discolouration was considered “not excessive” but recommendations included removal of surface dirt from varnished paint layer and particularly the reverse, treatment of canvas deformation along lower edge and bloomed areas of paint, and re-varnish.

The frame and stretcher required a protective velvet gluing to the rebate and securing

stretcher keys. The painting should be refitted with brass plates and screws.

At the time of the Report all recommendations could be carried out on-site.