Unveiling the Raeburn, a recent bequest by the late Bruce Ritchie.

The Smith’s first portrait by Sir Henry Raeburn, a bequest by the late Bruce Ritchie of Allan Park, was unveiled by the Right Honourable Sir George Reid.  The event marked the end of the building contract to renew the roof of the Smith.

 Sir George pointed out that the subject, Alexander Bonnar of Ratho, knew the difficulties of fund raising through his work for the Edinburgh Orphanage, a building which in later years became the Dean Gallery, and pointed out that Bruce Ritchie probably bequeathed the portrait for that reason.

 Colin O’Brien, Chairman of the Smith Trustees said ‘We are delighted to welcome this new acquisition into the collection.  Other great portrait painters, such as Sir Daniel McNee, John Graham Gilbert and Sir George Harvey are well represented in the Smith, and this work by Raeburn is now in good company.’

Sir George Reid, Patron of the Smith Development Fund (left) and Colin O’Brien Chairman of the Smith Trustees