Scottish artist Jack Vettriano, best known for his iconic painting The Singing Butler, has passed away at the age of 73. His publicist confirmed that Vettriano was found dead at his apartment in Nice, in the south of France, on Saturday. Authorities have stated there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. The exact reason of his death is not confirmed.
A Self-Taught Artist with a Unique Journey
Born Jack Hoggan on 17 November 1951 in Methil, Fife, Vettriano left school at 15 to work as a mining engineer before transitioning into personnel management. It wasn’t until his 21st birthday, when he was given a set of watercolour paints, that he started training himself to paint.
He was influenced by the Kirkcaldy Galleries’ collections, especially works by Samuel Peploe and William McTaggart. His major break occurred in 1989, when he entered two paintings into the Royal Scottish Academy’s annual show and both sold on the first day, allowing him to work full-time as an artist.
The Rise of The Singing Butler
Vettriano’s most renowned part, The Singing Butler, shows a finely dressed couple dancing on a stormy beach, attended by a butler and maid. In 2004, the picture sold for £744,800 at auction, breaking a Scottish record.It remains one of the UK’s best-selling art prints, despite receiving criticism from the art establishment.
The artwork was later reimagined by Banksy in Crude Oil (Vettriano), a piece now owned by Blink-182’s Mark Hoppus and expected to fetch between £3m and £5m at an upcoming London auction.
A Controversial Figure in the Art World
Throughout his career, art critics criticised Vettriano’s work as “brainless erotica” and “mere wallpaper.” However, he remained unmoved, adding in an interview: “They don’t appreciate an artist as successful as me because it undermines their power. I have what I want, and that is the support of the public.”
Despite this artistic divide, he was awarded an OBE in 2003 for services to visual arts.
Exhibitions and Enduring Popularity
Jack Vettriano art received worldwide recognition, with exhibits in London, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, and New York. In 2013, his first major retrospective at Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum drew over 136,000 people, making it one of the city’s most successful commercial exhibits in history.
Another retrospective at Kirkcaldy Galleries in 2022 focused on his formative years and early career. Vettriano also contributed a portrait for a mural celebrating Scottish comedian Billy Connolly’s 75th birthday in 2017.
Personal Struggles and Legacy
Vettriano has revealed his mental health issues, as well as his former drinking and drug use. Despite these hurdles, he stayed committed to his art and maintained a strong connection with the people.
His passing marks the end of an era in contemporary Scottish art. His publicist stated, “His evocative and timeless works will continue to captivate and inspire future generations.”
First Minister John Swinney paid tribute, writing: “He made a unique and evocative contribution to artistic life in Scotland in such compelling style.”
High-profile collectors of Vettriano’s art included Jack Nicholson, Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Tim Rice, and Robbie Coltrane.
A Self-Made Success
Jack Vettriano was an artist who followed his own path. From selling his initial paintings at the Royal Scottish Academy to receiving international renown, he defied critics and created a collection of work that the audience appreciated.
His exhibitions drew massive crowds, and his prints adorned countless walls.
Reflecting on his journey during a 2022 interview at Kirkcaldy Galleries, he said: “I’m not just happy, I’m proud—to have done that without any tuition and be back here where it all started.”
With his passing, the art world loses a unique talent, and the world itself is a little less colourful.