Key Information
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- c1929-1943 (Creation)
Level of description
Collection
Extent
75 Items
Content and Structure
Scope and content
A variety of drawings and graphic designs created by Gerard V. Murphy, a former student at The Glasgow School of Art in the 1930s. The diverse subjects of his drawings include animals, plants, architecture, human anatomy and figures. A subfonds titled 'Teaching examples' features his teaching materials as an art teacher at schools, intended for printmaking techniques and pattern design education.
Most items have been marked with his name or student registration numbers, assuming they were created during his time as a student at GSA. The dominant materials in his works are pencil and watercolour, worked on cartridge paper.
Some of this material was damaged in the fire in GSA's Mackintosh Building on 23rd May 2014. Paper conservation was completed in 2019.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
This material has been appraised in line with Glasgow School of Art Archives and Collections standard procedures.
Accruals
System of arrangement
Material has been arranged into seven subfonds in chronological order as follows: Anatomy drawings, Plant study drawings, Pattern designs, Architectural drawings, Life sketches, Animal drawings and Teaching examples, plus one design sketch for cups and saucers.
General Information
Name of creator
Biographical history
Gerard V Murphy was a student at The Glasgow School of Art in the 1930s. He was born on April 10, 1914, in Hamilton, Scotland. His address is listed as 64 Chapel Street. Murphy was admitted to the GSA in September 1934 and attended classes from 1934 to 1938. He was awarded a Diploma in Drawing and Painting in 1938. According to the GSA student records regarding Murphy, he won the Robertson & Co Prize in 1935 and received a minor travel scholarship of £10 from the GSA in 1937.
He studied design, historical ornament, lettering, and bookbinding techniques, as well as drawing and painting. He primarily showed a great interest in graphic pattern design, life drawing, plant drawing, and anatomy drawing. He was also interested in printmaking using woodblocks while working as an art teacher at several schools in Scotland, including Motherwell RC High School and Coatbridge Secondary School. His artistic style, influenced by Celtic heritage, the Arts and Crafts movement, and Art Nouveau, reflects his identity as a Scotland-based artist.
Archival history
Custodial history
Donated by the artist's children in Aug 2013.
Physical Description and Conditions of Use
Conditions governing access
Glasgow School of Art Archives and Collections are open for research by appointment. For further details, please refer to our Access Policy @ https://gsaarchives.net/policies
Conditions governing reproduction
Application for permission to reproduce should be submitted to The Archives and Collections at The Glasgow School of Art.
Reproduction subject to usual conditions: educational use and condition of material.
For further details, please refer to our Reprographic Service Guide @ https://gsaarchives.net/policies
Language of material
- English
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical Description
Finding aids
Related Material
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related materials
Notes area
Alternative identifier(s)
Keywords/Tags
Place access points
People and Organisations
- The Glasgow School of Art (Subject)
- The Glasgow School of Architecture (Subject)
Genre access points
Status
Level of detail
Processing information
- Catalogue exported from Archon and imported into AtoM during system migration, 2018-2019.
- Lower levels catalogued by Hyeonseo Heather Park, Work Placement Student, Jan-Apr 2024.
Language(s)
Script(s)
Sources
Archivist's note
Finding Aid Authors: The Glasgow School of Art Archives and Collections.
Archivist's note
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