That rather important society, the Black Frame Club, is holding its autumn exhibition at the Bailie Gallery. The colour of the frame seems a slender bond of union among group of young artists who, having some ability among them, necessarily have different aims. But the exhibition gains in unity from its somber environment, although at first sight of the galleries the visitor may feel that he is taking part in rather a solemn function. But fortunately there are few among the pictures that could conduce directly to sadness, and many show promise of better work in the future. Among the best is Mr. Glyn W Philpot, whose work at the institute is notable, and who shows here, among various contributions, a very simple and graceful study of a head(23).(1) This memorable portrait marked the beginning of a life-long friendship between sitter and artist, and six more portraits were painted for her family before Philpot's death. The daughter of the 1st Baron Colebroke, she married Sir Edward Packe of Prestwold Hall in 1909. The portrait was painted soon after their marriage, and was followed by the whole length of her husband in 1912. She sat again to Philpot for a profile portrait in 1916 and for a half-length in 1924. This first one now seems the best of all his pre-1914 portraits. Its slightly elongated elegance owes something to Whistler and Sargent, and its treatment of the black in an amazing feat of technical virtuosity, which shows that his study of Velazquez had not been in vain. Like all Philpot's best portraits, it is a quietly introspective characterisation and is totally without the fashion-plate vulgarity of much Edwardian portraiture.(2) 1. Alec Carruthers Gould, The Baillie Gallery, Pall Mall Gazette, October 18th 1909 2. Robin Gibson, Glyn Philpot, National Portrait Gallery London, 1984, page 50, cat. 15
Sir Alfred Rce Oxley, purchased October 1909, 6 gns By descent in the family to 1998
London, The Baillie Gallery, Bruton Street, The Black Frame Club, 1909, number 23
Alec Carruthers Gould, Pall Mall Gazette, The Baillie Gallery, October 18th 1909 Robin Gibson, Glyn Philpot, National Portrait Gallery London, 1984, page 50, cat. 15