Scotland (1804-1883)

WILLIAM LEIGHTON LEITCH was a landscape painter originally apprenticed to a lawyer and a weaver in his native Glasgow. He took drawing lessons at night with Daniel Macnee who was later to become a P.R.S.A. After this, he was employed by a Mr. Harbut who was a decorator and sign-painter. In 1824, Leitch took a position painting scenery at the Theatre Royal in Glasgow and, after the theatre's collapse, moved on to painting snuff box lids in Mauchline. In his mid-20's, he moved to London to take lessons from Copley Fielding and worked at the Pavilion Theatre. Leitch's first showing was at the Society for British Artists in 1832. Shortly after this showing, he was retained by a stockbroker, Mr. Anderden, who provided him with the funds to visit Italy where he resided until July, 1837. His travels took him to Holland, Germany, and Switzerland and he sketched, as well as taught, throughout Italy and Sicily. Upon his return to England, Leitch was able to develop a secure and successful practice as a landscape painter and was a sought-after drawing master. Among his esteemed pupils was Queen Victoria. He exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy and was elected to the New Watercolour Society in 1862, subsequently serving as Vice-President for twenty years.  The watercolors here have all come from a 19th century album of watercolors which had a section of it devoted to the works of Leitch which was purchased at the following sale:

This is a superb watercolor showing a ruined hillside castle with a lovely landscape beyond.  This particular piece from the album was chosen by Sotheby's to use for the catalogue illustration in their sale in 1996 as you can see in the images above.  This is Pencil and Watercolor on Paper sized 8 x 12 inches.  In fine condition with a couple of light spots of foxing and some remnants of the album paper on the back.

Price: SOLD

This is a fine pair of watercolors probably showing two Highland scenes.  They are both Watercolor over Pencil with each sized 2 1/4 x 5 1/4 inches.  The French Wash Conservation Mats are included and are sized 9 1/4 x 11 1/4 inches.

Price:  SOLD