With the exhibition dedicated to Mary, Queen of Scots in full swing at Kirkcudbright Galleries, the art gallery has just opened with a stunning exhibition of works by the renowned ‘Glasgow Girl’ Jessie M King (1875-1949). This exhibition celebrates the 150th anniversary of King’s birth with one of the most comprehensive displays of her work for 50 years.
Over her career King disproved the saying ‘jack of all trades, master of none’ by mastering many approaches to art and craft. Her work ranged from book illustrations to batik, jewellery to ceramics. Examples of all these approaches are on display in Kirkcudbright Galleries now.
In 1892 Jessie M King entered the Glasgow School of Art. The strong affiliation with the Art Nouveau and Glasgow School movement can be seen in her early art, book illustrations and her jewellery designs. As a student, she received a number of awards, including a first silver medal from the National Competition, South Kensington (1898). Her link with the Glasgow School was cemented when she was made tutor in Book Decoration and Design at Glasgow School of Art in 1899.
Throughout her life she intuitively created unique designs where she did not literally translate the real world. As a young teenager she recalled falling asleep on a hillside and feeling inspired by the fairies. Her joy in the magical world never left her and was present in all her work in all its forms.
King showed an eagerness to adapt to new styles throughout her lifetime and in book illustration she soon began to temper her experimental style with a more commercial naturalism and romantism and her myopic pen and ink drawings gave way to looser watercolours and coloured inks. Although she would return to the Art Nouveau style regularly throughout her life for commission work.
After the First World War Jessie M King, and her husband E.A. Taylor, became key members of Kirkcudbright’s artistic community, now known as ‘The Artists’ Town’. She was well-known and well-loved by both townsfolk and visiting artists alike, supporting both with her unrivalled energy, enthusiasm and artistic talent. Over half the works on display at Kirkcudbright are held in the nationally recognised collections there, but there are many hidden gems from private collections as well as new acquisitions some of which have not been seen in public for over 100 years.
As one of the first visitors to the JMK150 exhibition Cllr Maureen Johnstone, Chair of Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee, said: “Visiting the JMK150 exhibition I was overwhelmed by the depth of talent shown by Jessie M King. Such a variety of work! I knew she was an amazing lady, but this exhibition will no doubt engender a new level of respect for her and her work.”
Cllr Lynne Davis, Vice Chair of the Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee, said today: “Jessie M King was well-known around Kirkcudbright for supporting the local community, but as an important member of the Glasgow Style movement she also has a national and international reputation. It is apt, then, that this unique artist is so well represented at Kirkcudbright Galleries with this unique exhibition.”
The exhibition is free entry and a must-see for all Jessie M King fans.
JMK150: Jessie Marion King runs until 22 June 2025, and the Mary Queen of Scots Casket Exhibition runs until 27 April 2025. Kirkcudbright Galleries is open Monday-Saturday 10-5, Sunday 11.30-5.
