Details

Object type

painting

Title

Bailie Simons

Artist/Maker

John Lavery artist

Culture/School

Glasgow Boys

Place Associated

Scotland, Glasgow

Date

1889

Materials

oil on canvas

Dimensions

unframed: 355 mm x 254 mm

Description

A portrait study of fruit merchant, patron of the arts and councillor Bailie Michael Simons (1842-1925) standing in his ermine-lined robes for John Lavery’s painting of the State Visit of Her Majesty, Queen Victoria to the Glasgow International Exhibition, 1888. Simons, the first Jewish member of the Corporation of Glasgow, was one of organisers of the 1888 International Exhibition and convenor of its Refreshments, Music and Entertainments committee.

Born in London, Simons came to Glasgow as a child. He was apprenticed to Syme, Simons & Smith in Argyll Arcade in Glasgow, selling fruit. Simons’ father Benjamin Simons had been a fruit seller in Covent Garden. In Glasgow he began trading at Candleriggs and established the firm of fruit importers and produce brokers Simons, Jacobs & Co. This firm became one of the largest in Britain with an auction hall and warehouses in Candleriggs and Brunswick Street, branches in Liverpool, London and Southampton, and overseas agencies in America (New York and Boston) and Canada. After his apprenticeship, Simons joined his father’s firm, later becoming a partner.

Father and son were active members of the Jewish community in Glasgow. They were also keenly interested in music, art and theatre. Michael Simons helped finance the purchase of the Theatre Royal in 1888 along with the Richmond Trust. He had been elected to the Town Council in 1883. He was also involved in the 1901 International Exhibition. In 1902 he became chairman of the Royal Glasgow Institute of Fine Arts. He also served as a Justice of the Peace and Deputy-Lieutenant.

Credit Line/Donor

Gifted by the artist, 1935

ID Number

2033

Location

In storage