I have two of these very interesting vintage etchings by William J. Watson. They are part of a little series of etchings that he produced depicting old pubs and bars in Aberdeen. It was probably printed at the Peacock Studios in Aberdeen.
Not much is known about the artist - but he was born in 1944 and hails from Aberdeen. The interest in these 1970s prints is not so much about the artist - but more of the subject of the artworks.
This one shows an old traditional Aberdeen bar. There is a little sign hanging above the door which you can see side-on. It reads Murdos Bar - and this is also annotated on the long sign outside. The name of the proprietor or licensee, M. Bruce (the M is for Murdos) above the door. He took over the running of the bar in 1972,
The Hairy Bar (as mentioned on the pencil inscription on the lower margin) was also properly known as the Aberdeen Arms was on West North Street, Aberdeen. The interior was a wood-paneled L-shaped bar with a piano that was played by the owner Robert Abercrombie and his son.
The pub was later taken over and renamed Murdo's. After a short time - the bar moved from its original location (as depicted here) to Cairncry Road, where it is still a community pub - but with a much different frontage to the original building.
The pub got the nickname "The Hairy Bar" as people who worked in Farrier Lane, would often go to the pub to sell horsehair for use in mattresses, sofas, etc.
The building shown in this etching must date to before the 1980s - as many of the buildings here were demolished to make way for the widening of West North Street in the 80s
There are five etchings by Watson in the collection of Aberdeen Museums and Gallery.
The work has a naive charm to it and the draughtsmanship is certainly competent. My print is signed JW Watson and is No. 9 out of a small edition of only 40 works. Apart from the one in the Aberdeen Art Gallery, I cannot find another impression.
It is in good vintage condition with no stains or marks on the paper. It is sold unframed but with a new fresh acid-free window mount. It is really a most decorative piece and a great record of old building of Aberdeen. It is priced to take into account its lovely condition and its rarity.
Dimensions: The mount is 39 x 44 cm. The image size is 17.5 x 22.5 cm.
It will be sent to you with Parcelforce24. This will just be over £10 so that it is fully insured in transit.