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 pencil inscription below the image identifying it as the Spa Bar. The pub was also known as the Well O'Spa Bar.
It was located on the corner of Spa Street and Upper Denburn. Going under the wee bridge in the distance to arrive at the bottom of Jacks Brae. It looks a rather bleak place - and by all accounts it had sawdust on the floor and spitoons by the bar.. yikes! It was closed and marked for demolition in the early 1970s.
The name for the street and the pub comes from an old well that was first recorded in the area in George Jameson's "Four Neukit", a location for plays where Shakespeare might once have preformed.
The well has been moved several times over the centuries and had, in more recent times, been built into the wall of Woolmanhill Hospital in Spa Street. With the developments to the area in the 1970s - it was moved again, this time to a wee garden at the back of the Central Library where it remains today.
Dimensions: The mount size is 39 x 43.5. The image size is 17.5 x 22.5 cm
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.