Kenneth MacLeay RSAKenneth McLeay RSA [in some directories]1802-1878 |
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Kenneth MacLeay RSA
© Reproduced by courtesy of Edinburgh City Libraries and Information Services Kenneth MacLeay RSA
© Reproduced by courtesy of Edinburgh City Libraries and Information Services The two photographs of Kenneth MacLeay above are calotypes taken by Hill & Adamson between 1843 and 1847. These are from the Edinburgh City Library collection. The Victoria & Albert Museum, London, also has a copy of a Hill & Adamson calotype of Kenneth MacLeay wearing a kilt. |
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Miniature Painter and Portrait PainterKenneth McLeay was born in Oban, Scotland, in 1802. He studied at the trustees' Academy in Edinburgh He was a Foundation Associate Member of the Scottish Academy - and became RSA from 1839 He was a chiefly a watercolour portrait painter, producing both miniature and full size portraits. He is recorded as a portrait painter in the Edinburgh trade directories from 1822 until 1878, living at twelve different addresses over this period. He also produce a series of watercolours of the Highland Clans for the Royal Family, published in 1870. Kenneth MacLeay exhibited photographs in many of the PSS Exhibitions from 1856 to 1864. He became a professional photographer from 1859 to 1863.
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Photographs in Exhibitions - and PricesOne of the photographs entered in the 4th PSS Exhibition by Kenneth MacLeay was 'Portrait of a Young Lady'. The Press wrote: "This
work displays unusually fine qualities. It is painted with breadth
and unaffected power, yet tenderness of feeling that lift it far above
ordinary competition." In a letter to PSS dated 22 December 1859, written in connection with the 4th PSS Exhibition, Kenneth MacLeay lists the prices of his portraits:
5th PSS Exhibition, February 1861 Kenneth MacLeay exhibited 3 tinted collodion portraits. |
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Family Kenneth MacLeay died on November 3, 1878 in Edinburgh. Source: Article: 'Royal Scottish Academy -Election of Associates' .in 'The Scotsman', November 14, 1878, Page 4. Thank you to Greg Drake for advising me of this article. Kenneth MacLeay was widower of Louisa Campbell. Father: Kenneth MacLeay - Doctor of Medicine. Mother: ? [Death Certificate] |
