Sir James Taggart, KBE, Lord Provost of Aberdeen (1914-1919)

Artist Ambrose McEvoy (Crudwell, Wiltshire, England, 1878 - 1927)

SitterSitter is Sir James Taggart (Coldwells, Inverurie, Scotland, 1849 - 1929)

Date1917

Mediumoil on canvas

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsSight Size: Height: 109.5 cm, Width: 85.3 cm
Frame: Height: 135.5 cm, Width: 111 cm

AcquisitionPresented in 1917 by subscribers.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDCC001005

Keywords

About MeDespite the sombre gaze and war-weary air of the sitter, Sir James Taggart (1849 – 1929) did not see any active service, due to his advanced years. However his public and civic contribution to the war effort was recognised by a knighthood in 1918. As well as being the city’s war time Lord Provost, he was also President of the City of Aberdeen Territorial Force Association and put great energy into a recruitment drive for the armed forces – indeed, the local artillery brigade became known as ‘Taggart’s Own’.

Taggart’s inspiring leadership, warm personality and ready wit has conferred upon him the reputation as the most popular of Aberdeen’s Lord Provosts, admired by Aberdonians of all classes. One of his Obituaries states:

"The name of Taggart must be writ large in the war annals of Aberdeen and the north east of Scotland. During these fateful years, by his dauntless bearing, his unfailing optimism and his rich humanity, he proved himself an asset … despite his brave and cheery demeanour, these sacrificial years of war, tried and tested him to the utmost. His heart was ever with the bereaved and the broken…"

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Taggart, one of Aberdeen's most popular Lord Provosts (1914-19) in his 60s in Territorial uniform. As President of the Aberdeen group, he was an active recruiter for the army