Draft Article about James and Marguertie McBey Purchasing Dar ben Zina, Marrakesh
AssociatedAssociated with
James McBey
(Newburgh, Scotland, 1883 - 1959)
AuthorWritten by
Marguerite McBey
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, 1905 - 1999)
Date1930s
Object NameArticle
Mediumpaper and ink
ClassificationsMcBey
Dimensions31.8 x 20.5cm
AcquisitionPresented in 1988 by Mrs Marguerite McBey.
Copyright© Aberdeen City Council (McBey Collection)
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG017716
About MeFive page typewritten article by Marguerite McBey, written in draft form, related to Dar Ben Zina, their home in Marrakesh. When translated to English Dar ben Zina means "the house of the son of the beautiful one." The article explains James and Marguerite's reasons for choosing property in Marrakesh, which was mainly due to the wet and cold winters in Tangier. Their early experiences in Marrakesh are outlined including their ealiest visit, where they unwittingly stayed in a brothel. Marguerite also writes about the friends they made, such as the Uncle of the Sultan at the time, Moulay Larbi el Alaoui, who helped them to find Dar ben Zina. James and Marguerite did some restoration work on Dar ben Zina and details of this are also included, along with details of maids and servants who worked with them there.
The article is full of handwritten annotations and ammendments, where several areas have been scored through completely with pen. The article is unfinished and one handwritten footnote explains that Marguerite also wanted to "incorporate: typhoid epidemic, eating coconuts, and visit to the wedding."
This object is part of an archive that belonged to Marguerite McBey. As a result of her generosity, Aberdeen Art Gallery holds the largest archive of James McBey's work, including prints, drawings, sketchbooks, oil paintings and memorabilia such as this article.
