Bombie Glen

Bombie Glen is a scenic sheltered valley within the rural parish of Kirkcudbright, and typical of the higher landscape on the eastern side of the town. In this work, the burn in the base of the glen cannot be seen, rather the view looks across from the west to the east slope of the glen, with its woodland and whin bushes.   Mary Armour was a distinguished Scottish artist, who became an Associate of the Royal Scottish Academy in 1941 and a full Academician in 1958. She taught at the Glasgow School of Art from 1951 to 1962. She would have been 70 or 71 years old when she produced this work. Her association with Kirkcudbright is not documented at all, apart from the existence of this painting. It may be that she was friend of one of the other artists settled in the town. However, many Scottish artists were drawn to Kirkcudbright by its reputation alone and out of curiosity. This work may be the result of a brief holiday visit of exploration.   © Courtesy of the Estate of Mary Armour / Bridgeman Art Library