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Show Jamie

Geikie, Walter, Etching
Show Jamie
Show Jamie
Show Jamie
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Category
Museums & Galleries Item
Item no
31405
Title
Show Jamie
Description
In this etching James Beatson, a real-life pedlar, is represented in the company of two boys who are viewing a bottled insect from his travelling 'show'. The boys jostle to see the insect, while a woman, possibly their mother, looks on and smiles.

Beatson was a solitary figure who earned his living by charging people to view a range of home-made attractions. In this image he is shown engaging with his customers, looking down benevolently at the two boys. Although Geikie always portrayed Beatson sympathetically, this scene has a particular sense of warmth.

According to family sources, the artist himself was often surrounded by young children when he went out sketching in the Edinburgh streets.
Artist / maker
Type
Location
City Art Centre