Hannah Clarke Preston MacGoun RSW (1864–1913) was a Scottish artist and the first female to be elected a member of the Royal Society of Watercolourists.[1] Stylistically she was termed a "social realist". As an illustrator she assumed the gender neutral name of H. C. Preston MacGoun.
![](http://up.wiki.x.io/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ee/Hannah_Clarke_Preston_MacGoun.jpg/220px-Hannah_Clarke_Preston_MacGoun.jpg)
Life
editShe was born in Edinburgh the youngest daughter of six children to the Rev. Robert William MacGoun (1813-1871) minister of Morningside Parish Church.[2] and his wife Isabella Clarke of Comrie.[3] Her father died when she was 7 years old and she moved with her mother and siblings to 5 Banner Place in Morningside.[4]
She studied art at the Trustees Academy on Picardy Place in Edinburgh. She then did a study tour of Germany and Holland. She then began work, both as a book illustrator (specialising in children's books), and selling various small genre scenes.[5]
She had a working relationship with Thomas Noble Foulis an Edinburgh printer and publisher.[6]
In 1903 she was elected a member of the Royal Society of Watercolourists.[1]
By 1910 her success was so great she had opened a studio at 130 George Street, Edinburgh - a prestigious address in the city centre.[7]
She died at home at 69 Morningside Road on 20 August 1913 is buried in Morningside Cemetery, Edinburgh not far from the grave of Thomas Foulis.
Public artworks
edit- Her self-portrait of 1887 is in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.[5]
- "St Andrews Fisherfolk" (in oils) and "Cupid" are held at the City Art Centre, Edinburgh[8]
Books illustrated
edit- The Joys of Friendship the Joyous Life Series, published by Le Roy Phillips in Boston
- At the Turn of the Year by Fiona MacLeod published by Thomas N Foulis in Edinburgh
- Rob Lindsay and his School[9]
- Pet Marjorie by John Brown, published By Thomas Noble Foulis[10]
- The Little Book of Children by John Brown, published by Thomas Noble Foulis[10]
- Little Miss Conceit by Ellinor Davenport Adams[11]
References
edit- ^ a b "Past Members – RSW". Rsw.org.uk. 22 January 2018. Retrieved 2022-07-24.
- ^ Edinburgh Post Office Directory; 1864
- ^ Fasti Ecclesiae Scoticanae; by Hew Scott; vol. 1, p. 85
- ^ Edinburgh Post Office Directory; 1880
- ^ a b "Hannah Clarke Preston MacGoun".
- ^ "Illustrations in Colour by H C Preston Macgoun - AbeBooks".
- ^ Edinburgh Post Office Directory 1910
- ^ "MacGoun, Hannah Clarke Preston, 1864–1913". Art UK. Retrieved 2022-07-24.
- ^ "Anon Illustrations by H C Preston Macgoun - AbeBooks".
- ^ a b "Stella & Rose's Books : Rare Books, Collectible Books & 2nd Hand Books Illustrated By H.C. Preston MacGoun". Stellabooks.com. Retrieved 2022-07-24.
- ^ "H.C. Preston MacGoun (Illustrator of Little Miss Conceit)". Goodreads.com. Retrieved 2022-07-24.