“Stirling Castle Links” Antique Golf Etching by George Aikman, 1893

Presented is an original 1893 etching by George Aikman, after an original watercolor by John Smart. This composition depicts golfers, accompanied by young caddies and families, playing and walking the grounds of the Sterling Golf Club. This etching was published in the rare 1893 book A Round Of The Links - The Golf Greens of Scotland. 

A book of views of Scottish golf courses, The Golf Greens of Scotland is one of the most sought-after golfing books of the late nineteenth century. The oblong , limited edition folio featured twenty etched plates by Aikman. The courses featured in the book are Dunbar, North Berwick, Gullane, Luffness, Musselburgh, Leith, Leven, Elie, St. Andrews, Carnoustie, Montrose, Aberdeen, Perth, Stirling, Bruntsfield, Lanark, Glasgow, Machrihanish, Prestwick, and Troon.

The Stirling Golf Club was formed in 1869. The club is set against the inspiring backdrop of the old town of Stirling, built on ancient volcanic slopes and crowned by the historic Stirling Castle rising above the spectacular crag. The Stirling Golf Club is one of the oldest courses in Scotland with a prestigious pedigree. In 1873, the Club made its first appointment of a professional, Tom Morris Jnr., four times Open Champion. Designed by Henry Cotton, the 6,440-yard course greens at Stirling Golf Club are complimented by mature trees, beautiful fairways, and several challenging hazards peppered throughout the course. 

Born in Edinburgh, George Aikman (1830-1905) was the ninth child of an engraver, also named George Aikman (1788-1865). George received an early education in art, namely assisting his father with the mammoth task of drawing and engraving the images for the seventh edition of the Encyclopaedia Britannica. Aikman attended the Royal High School, apprenticed for his father, attended the Trustees’ Academy, worked as a journeyman in London and Manchester, before returning to partner in his father’s business.   

Aikman first exhibited at the RSA in 1850 and continued to do so regularly. Early in the 1870s, after attending the life school of the RSA, Aikman shifted his focus from etching to painting in both oil and watercolor. His work spans several subject matters and mediums, including landscapes and seascapes, genre scenes and portraits, in etching, mezzotint, oil paint, and watercolor. He was elected ARSA in 1880.  

CONDITION:

Good condition. Black and white etching. Full margins. Paper is healthy with light toning, due to age. Small surface scratches on the right side. Image Dimensions:  7" H x 11 1/4" W. 

Archivally framed with acid-free mats, UV Conservation clear glass, and a custom wooden frame with gilt spandrel. 

Framed Dimensions: 17"H x 20 1/2"W x 1"D. 

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.