James Pittendrigh MacGillivray (1856-1938)
James Pittendrigh MacGillivray, often regarded as “Scotland’s greatest sculptor,” was a renowned Scottish sculptor, poet, painter, printmaker, and photographer. Born in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, MacGillivray came from a family of sculptors. In 1868, his family moved to Edinburgh, where he began his artistic journey. He initially apprenticed under cabinet maker William Brodie but soon transitioned into sculpture, working as an assistant to James Steel and later to prominent Glasgow sculptor John Mossman. After completing his nine-year apprenticeship, MacGillivray established himself as an independent sculptor in Glasgow in 1882.
In 1893, MacGillivray traveled to Brussels for further study, and upon returning to Edinburgh in 1894, he remained there for the rest of his life, residing at “Ravelston Elms” on Murrayfield Road. His work spanned multiple public commissions across Scotland and beyond, with notable pieces including statues of Robert Burns in Irvine, Lord Byron in Aberdeen, the 3rd Marquess of Bute in Cardiff, and John Knox in St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh. He was also responsible for the monumental nine-figure memorial to William Ewart Gladstone in Edinburgh’s Coates Crescent Gardens and six statues adorning the facade of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
Bronze plaque by James Pittendrigh MacGillivray available at Jacksons Antique
Throughout his career, MacGillivray’s works were exhibited widely in Scotland and London, from the late 19th century through the early 20th century, including the Art Deco period. His influence was particularly prominent in Glasgow, where his sculptures can be found in the Necropolis, Cathcart and Lambhill cemeteries, and Glasgow Cathedral.In recognition of his contributions, MacGillivray was elected a fellow of the Royal Scottish Academy in 1901, having become an associate nine years earlier. He also designed the ceremonial robes for the Academicians. In 1921, he was appointed King’s Sculptor in Ordinary for Scotland, serving as the official sculptor to the royal household. As part of his public service, he joined the first Royal Fine Art Commission for Scotland alongside architect Sir Robert Lorimer.
MacGillivray was also influential in shaping arts education in Scotland. He authored a “Special Report on the Schools of Art in Scotland” in 1904 and later produced a report advocating for the establishment of a Municipal Art School in Edinburgh, drawing on his experiences from artistic centers like Brussels, Berlin, and Paris.In addition to his artistic achievements, MacGillivray was a published poet, releasing two volumes of poetry in Scots: Pro Patria in 1915 and Bog Myrtle and Peat Reek in 1922.James Pittendrigh MacGillivray passed away in 1938 and is buried alongside his wife Frieda in Gogar Kirkyard, near Edinburgh. His tombstone, which he designed himself, portrays them side by side. Their daughters Ina (1887–1917) and Ehrna (1892–1966) are also buried with them.