Bedlam (Photograph Album Belonging to James McBey)
OwnerOwned by
James McBey
(Newburgh, Scotland, 1883 - 1959)
Datec. 1919
Object NamePhotograph
Mediumphotograph
ClassificationsMcBey
Dimensions12.5 x 19.7cm
AcquisitionPresented in 1983 by Mrs Marguerite McBey.
Copyright© Aberdeen City Council (McBey Collection)
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG000686.337
About MeBlack and white photograph of a sketch drawn by James McBey depiciting a family scene titled "Bedlam." Underneath most figures there is an annotation, from left to right these are as follows;"Some people can't manage families."
"I lent Margot 3 1/2d and she won't give it back and Billy hit me."
"It was his own fault, he struck me with his wet bathing suit."
"Life is no longer empty."
"I haven't any money, and besides Malcolm is silly."
"I'm going to have a quiet round on the golf course, perhaps you will have finished your squabbling by the time I get back."
The photograph is kept within a hardback photograph album, with faux leather overlay, which belonged to James McBey. Annotations underneath the image explain that the man fourth from the left, who feels his life is no longer empty, is James McBey, while the lady about to go golfing is Molly Murray.
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 photograph.
