Details of Sculptor

Surname

Christie

Alternative Surname

First Name

James

Initial of Surname

C

Year of Birth/Baptism

Flourished

Year of Death

Biographical Details

A Forfarshire sculptor, he was the son of Mr David Christie, Muiredge of Carmyllie. He worked as a weaver, and subsequently in the local quarries near Arbroath, before trying his hand at sculpture. In a description of his first work, carved from the local stone (1), the Illustrated London News presented the sculptor as an untaught genius: 'Nothing' they opined 'has ever been produced by any sculptor of the day under similar disadvantages, which, in chasteness, taste, and an exquisite perception of the natural, in form and figure, can compete with the group we allude to' (vol 1, May 1842, p15). Comparing his work to that of Francis Chantrey the newspaper felt confident that 'if the young man Christie is patronised, and encouraged, he will not only be an honour to the country, but to Scotland' (ibid).

Literary References: ILN, vol 1, May 1842, week ending 14 May, p15 (inf Helen Smailes)