Why does this seemingly ordinary plaque matter so much? This is the Charles McCall Plaque. It commemorates a man whose canvases captured the quiet beauty of everyday life.
Charles James McCall was born in Edinburgh in 1907. His artistic journey wasn’t straightforward. He initially worked for a law firm. But his passion for art led him to evening classes at Edinburgh College of Art.
In 1933, McCall’s talent shone. He won a scholarship to the Edinburgh College of Art. Here, he studied under David MacBeth Sutherland and Samuel John Peploe. McCall excelled and earned his diploma in just two years.
Scholarships in the mid-1930s allowed McCall to travel extensively throughout Europe. In 1937, he studied under Othon Friesz in Paris. Upon his return, he received a two-year fellowship in Edinburgh. In 1938 and at the age of 31, McCall became a Fellow of Edinburgh College of Art.
During World War II, McCall served in the Royal Engineers. He worked mainly on camouflage. After the war, he returned to painting. He gradually built an impressive series of one-man shows. These exhibitions took place in England, North America, Canada, and Ireland.
McCall’s work is characterized by intimate interiors and London street scenes. He had a strong sense of colour. His paintings show an awareness of French influences.
He exhibited extensively at the Royal Academy. His exhibited works include “Young Man”, “The New Hat”, and “Mitzi”. Others are “Fireside”, “Morning Work”, and “The Greenhouse”. Still others are “Sunlit Room”, and “The Open Window”.
Charles McCall died in London in 1989. He died at 1a Caroline Terrace, Westminster. His wife, Mitzi, wrote a book about his life and work. It was titled “Interior with Figure: Life and Painting of Charles McCall”.
The Charles McCall Plaque marks the life of an artist. He found beauty in the mundane. Take a moment to appreciate the plaque. Remember the artist who immortalized everyday moments.