John McArthur was born in 1814 in Hamilton, Lanarkshire, Scotland, United Kingdom.[1] After practicing his craft as a painter and house painter, notably in the cities of Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Belfast, he decided to emigrate to Montreal, Canada, in 1845. In 1846, he entered into partnership with Alexander Ramsay, a paint, oil, and varnish dealer, with whom he offered complementary services, including house painting, decorative painting, glazier, and upholsterer. During the 1850s, Ramsay and McArthur hired British glassmaker John C. Spence to offer stained glass and glass enameling services. Together, they notably oversaw the manufacture of stained glass windows for the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce Church in Montreal in 1853.[2] On December 1, 1854, the firm of Ramsay and McArthur was dissolved by mutual consent.[3]
From 1855 to 1860, John McArthur continued to offer his services as a house & commercial painter and decorator and upholsterer.[4] He opened a shop at "70 Grande rue Saint-Jacques" on May 1, 1856. In 1858, he designed the decoration of the Theatre Royal in Montreal.[5] On May 12, 1860, he joined forces with his former glassmaker colleague John C. Spence.[6] During the royal visit of Prince Edward of Wales in 1860, McArthur and Spence designed and decorated at least six of the temporary triumphal arches erected in the city of Montreal,[7] the temporary ballroom building[8] and the residence of the Honorable John Rose which was used as Prince Edward's temporary residence in Montreal.[9]
Around 1862, John McArthur ended his partnership with John C. Spence, and decided to partner with his own son, John C. McArthur. In 1866, McArthur & Son painted the ceiling decorations of a store at the corner of St-Jaques and Place Victoria.[10] In 1867, the firm painted the ceiling decorations of the Merchants' Bank building at Place d'Armes.[11] In 1872, the firm may also have painted the ballroom of Ravenscrag in Montreal. In this regard, his paintings "beautified many Montreal residences."[1] In 1882, he retired and his son took over the management of the firm and went into partnership with C. C. Corneille, under the name McArthur, Corneille & Co., until 1900.[12][13] John McArthur died on May 5, 1903, in Montreal, Canada.[1]
Triumph Arch on Dalhousie Square, Montreal, Canada.
Throughout his career, John McArthur surrounded himself with artists to fulfill his various contracts. His presence in Montreal's artistic community allowed him to select talented artists. For example, he was one of the first members of the Art Association of Montreal.[14]
Here is a non-exhaustive list of artists who worked with John McArthur:
John C. Spence, master stained glassmaker (1850s and 1860s).[6]
Exhibitions and distinctions
As a painter, John McArthur was essentially a landscape painter, a follower of the Barbizon School.[1] Moreover, during his retirement in the 1880s, he went to Barbizon and Cernay-la-Ville several times to meet other artists of this artistic movement and perfect his art.[1] Canadian landscapes were the main subject of the paintings he exhibited during his life, but not only.
Below is a non-exhaustive list of exhibitions at which John McArthur or one of his firms exhibited works:
February 5, 1850, 8th Festival of the Mechanics' Institute of Montreal:
↑ "Painted Glass". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.45, no.183 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. September 30, 1853. p.2.
↑ "Dissolution of Co-Partnership. Ramsay & McArthur". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.46, no.251 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. December 9, 1854. p.3.
↑ "John McArthur. House, Sign, and Ornemental Painter, Glazier, Paper-Hanger, &c". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.47, no.175 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. July 26, 1855. p.1.
1 2 "Opening of the Theatre Royal". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.50, no.126 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. May 31, 1858. p.2.
1 2 "Co-Partnership Notice: McArthur & Spence". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.52, no.115 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. May 14, 1860. p.2.
↑ "Visit of The Prince of Wales to Montreal. The Six Triumphal Arches". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.52, no.199 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. August 20, 1860. p.2.
↑ "The interior of the Building (The Ball-Room Building)". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.52, no.191 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. August 10, 1860. p.2.
↑ "The Montreal Residence of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.52, no.196 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. August 16, 1860. p.2.
↑ "Midnight Dispatches. New Dry Goods Store". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.58, no.78 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. April 2, 1866. p.2.
↑ "Progress of Montreal (Illustrated Edition). Merchants' Bank". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.59, no.(Double Sheet) (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. March 1, 1867. p.6.
↑ "Paints. Montreal, Que". Oil, Paint and Drug Reporter (Newspaper). Vol.22, no.2 (William O. Allisoned.). Montreal (QC), Canada. July 12, 1882. p.61.
↑ "Extra: Renseignements commerciaux: Province de Québec. Dissolution de sociétés". Le Prix courant: journal du commerce (Newspaper) (in French). Vol.28, no.5 (Compagnie de Publication des marchands détailleurs du Canada Limitéeed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. May 4, 1900. p.365.
↑ Little information is known, however, about the professional relationship between Francis Pedretti and John McArthur.
↑ "Fresco Painting. Interior Decoration of Dwellings, Churches & Public Buildings (F. Pedretti)". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.53, no.128 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. May 29, 1861. p.2.
↑ Like his colleague John McArthur, he also exhibited works at the Art Association of Montreal during his life as an amateur painter.
↑ "Mechanics' Festival. Catalogue of articles exhibited at the eighth annual festival of the Montreal Mechanics' Institute, February 5, 1850". The Quebec Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.86, no.7235 (printed by Brown & Gilmoreed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. February 16, 1850. p.1.
↑ "List of persons who have been adjudged to receive prizes and diplomas at the Industrial Exhibition". The Quebec Mercury (Newspaper). Vol.88, no.7360 (Josiah Blackburn & George T. Caryed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. October 28, 1850. p.1.
↑ "Provincial Exhibition. PART II, Section 8: Fine Arts". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Supplement) (Newspaper). Vol.45, no.192 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. October 11, 1853. p.1.
↑ "Fine Arts. Catalogue of Oil Paintings on Exhibition on Bonaventure Hall". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.49, no.195 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. August 18, 1857. p.2.
↑ "Fine Arts. Catalogue of Oil Paintings on Exhibition on Bonaventure Hall (Continued)". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.49, no.196 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. August 19, 1857. p.2.
↑ "Provincial Exhibition. Board of Arts - Prize List - (Continued) -- Class VII". The Daily Witness (Newspaper). Vol.1, no.51 (John Dougalled.). Montreal (QC), Canada. October 12, 1860. p.2.
↑ "Exposition Provinciale. Liste des prix (Département Industriel, 2e classe, Section A)". Le pays (Newspaper) (in French). Vol.12, no.105 (Montréal: Le pays,1852-1871ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. September 29, 1863. p.1.
↑ ""Ye Art Fair". The Art Gallery and The Contributors Thereto". The Montreal daily herald and daily commercial gazette (Newspaper). Vol.79, no.292 (The Herald Companyed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. December 8, 1887. p.4.
List of notorial acts in chronological order of publication:
Jones Gibb, Isaac (Notary) (May 6, 1852). Notorial Act en minute, min. no. 13791: "John McArthur: Protest noted Steamer Britannia". Notaries Records, Judicial District of Montreal: Superior Court Funds, National Archives of Quebec. AN-13791.
Jones Gibb, Isaac (Notary) (February 21, 1854). Notorial Act en minute, min. no. 15359: "Ramsay & McArthur: Agreement with John C. Spence". Notaries Records, Judicial District of Montreal: Superior Court Funds, National Archives of Quebec. AN-15359.
Jones Gibb, Isaac (Notary) (December 12, 1854). Notorial Act en minute, min. no. 15998: "Ramsay, Alex & John McArthur: Dissolution of Copartnership". Notaries Records, Judicial District of Montreal: Superior Court Funds, National Archives of Quebec. AN-15998.
Jones Gibb, Isaac (Notary) (January 1, 1855). Notorial Act en minute, min. no. 16040: "Ramsay & McArthur: Cancellation of agreement with John C. Spence". Notaries Records, Judicial District of Montreal: Superior Court Funds, National Archives of Quebec. AN-16040.
Jones Gibb, Isaac (Notary) (August 29, 1857). Notorial Act en minute, min. no. 17564: "John McArthur: Contract with Joseph Bélanger & Fançois-Xavier Boire". Notaries Records, Judicial District of Montreal: Superior Court Funds, National Archives of Quebec. AN-17564.
Jones Gibb, Isaac (Notary) (August 29, 1857). Notorial Act en minute, min. no. 17565: "John McArthur: Contract with Aitken & Morrison". Notaries Records, Judicial District of Montreal: Superior Court Funds, National Archives of Quebec. AN-17565.
Smith, James (Notary) (March 11, 1871). Notorial Act en minute, min. no. 24664: "Last Will and Testament of John McArthur". Notaries Records, Judicial District of Montreal: Superior Court Funds, National Archives of Quebec. AN-24664.
Newspaper articles
"AVIS: Ramsay & McArthur, peintres de maison, d'enseigne et de décoration, vitriers, tapissiers, etc". L'aurore des Canada (Newspaper) (in French). Vol.8, no.23 (F. Cinq-Marsed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. June 3, 1846. p.2.
"Mechanics' Festival. Catalogue of articles exhibited at the eighth annual festival of the Montreal Mechanics' Institute, February 5, 1850". The Quebec Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.86, no.7235 (printed by Brown & Gilmoreed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. February 16, 1850. p.1.
"Ramsay & McArthur. Painters and Color Dealers, Nos 58 and 60, McGill Street, Montreal". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.42, no.189 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. October 7, 1850. p.3.
"List of persons who have been adjudged to receive prizes and diplomas at the Industrial Exhibition". The Quebec Mercury (Newspaper). Vol.88, no.7360 (Josiah Blackburn & George T. Caryed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. October 28, 1850. p.1.
"Great improvement in Painting! China Gloss, & Zinc White. Ramzay & McArthur, Plain and Decorative Painters, 58 and 60, McGill Street". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.42, no.68 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. May 20, 1851. p.1.
"Ramsay & McArthur. Paint and Glass Store, 58 and 60, McGill Street". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Supplement) (Newspaper). Vol.44, no.185 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. October 2, 1852. p.1.
"Painted Glass". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.45, no.183 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. September 30, 1853. p.2.
"Provincial Exhibition. PART II, Section 8: Fine Arts". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Supplement) (Newspaper). Vol.45, no.192 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. October 11, 1853. p.1.
"Dissolution of Co-Partnership. Ramsay & McArthur". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.46, no.251 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. December 9, 1854. p.3.
"Died. Frances Ramsay McArthur". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.47, no.7 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. January 9, 1855. p.2.
"Painting & Glazing. Greer & White". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.47, no.99 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. April 28, 1855. p.3.
"John McArthur. House, Sign, and Ornemental Painter, Glazier, Paper-Hanger, &c". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.47, no.175 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. July 26, 1855. p.1.
"Fine Arts. Catalogue of Oil Paintings on Exhibition on Bonaventure Hall". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.49, no.195 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. August 18, 1857. p.2.
"Fine Arts. Catalogue of Oil Paintings on Exhibition on Bonaventure Hall (Continued)". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.49, no.196 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. August 19, 1857. p.2.
"Opening of the Theatre Royal". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.50, no.126 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. May 31, 1858. p.2.
"Opening services, and dedication of the church of the Messiah". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.50, no.218 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. September 14, 1858. p.2.
"Co-Partnership Notice: McArthur & Spence". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.52, no.115 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. May 14, 1860. p.2.
"M'Arthur & Spence. Importers and Dealers in Paints, Oils, Glass, Varnishes, ... House, Sign & Decorative Painters". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.52, no.115 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. May 14, 1860. p.2.
"M'Arthur & Spence, Importateurs et Marchands". L'Ordre: union catholique (Newspaper) (in French). Vol.60, no.16 (Plinguet & Laplanteed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. May 16, 1860. p.2.
"The Ball-Room Building". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.52, no.153 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. June 27, 1860. p.2.
"The interior of the Building (The Ball-Room Building)". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.52, no.191 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. August 10, 1860. p.2.
"The Montreal Residence of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.52, no.196 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. August 16, 1860. p.2.
"Visit of the The Prince of Wales to Montreal. The Six Triumphal Arches". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.52, no.199 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. August 20, 1860. p.2.
"Visit of the The Prince of Wales to Montreal. The Six Triumphal Arches". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Illustrated Supplement) (Newspaper). Vol.52, no.204 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. August 25, 1860. p.2.
"The Ball. The interior of the Building". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.52, no.206 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. August 28, 1860. p.2.
"The Meeting of the Subscribers to the Citizens' Reception Fund". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.52, no.214 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. September 7, 1860. p.2.
"Mechanics' Institute. Report". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.52, no.234 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. October 1, 1860. p.2.
"Provincial Exhibition. Board of Arts - Prize List - (Continued) -- Class VII". The Daily Witness (Newspaper). Vol.1, no.51 (John Dougalled.). Montreal (QC), Canada. October 12, 1860. p.2.
"Fresco Painting. Interior Decoration of Dwellings, Churches & Public Buildings (F. Pedretti)". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.53, no.128 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. May 29, 1861. p.2.
"The Exhibition. Industrial Department". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.55, no.221 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. September 16, 1863. p.2.
"Exposition Provinciale. Liste des prix (Département Industriel, 2e classe, Section A)". Le pays (Newspaper) (in French). Vol.12, no.105 (Montréal: Le pays,1852-1871ed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. September 29, 1863. p.1.
"Midnight Dispatches. New Dry Goods Store". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.58, no.78 (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. April 2, 1866. p.2.
"Progress of Montreal (Illustrated Edition). Merchants' Bank". Montreal Herald and Daily Commercial Gazette (Newspaper). Vol.59, no.(Double Sheet) (Robert Weired.). Montreal (QC), Canada. March 1, 1867. p.6.
"Fire". The Daily Witness (Newspaper). Vol.8, no.72 (John Dougalled.). Montreal (QC), Canada. March 26, 1867. p.2.
"John McArthur & Son (Ad)". Canadian Illustrated News (Newspaper). Vol.16, no.6 (Geo. E. Desbaratsed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. February 16, 1878. p.15.
"Dominion Exhibition. In the Annex: A Moth Proof Cabinet". The Daily Witness (Newspaper). Vol.19, no.225 (John Dougalled.). Montreal (QC), Canada. September 24, 1880. p.2.
"Paints. Montreal, Que". Oil, Paint and Drug Reporter (Newspaper). Vol.22, no.2 (William O. Allisoned.). Montreal (QC), Canada. July 12, 1882. p.61.
""Ye Art Fair". The Art Gallery and The Contributors Thereto". The Montreal daily herald and daily commercial gazette (Newspaper). Vol.79, no.292 (The Herald Companyed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. December 8, 1887. p.4.
"Extra: Renseignements commerciaux: Province de Québec. Dissolution de sociétés". Le Prix courant: journal du commerce (Newspaper) (in French). Vol.28, no.5 (Compagnie de Publication des marchands détailleurs du Canada Limitéeed.). Montreal (QC), Canada. May 4, 1900. p.365.
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