Scottish Catholic Observer

An exciting new exhibition of religious works by Peter Howson, mainly drawn from the preparatory sketches and paintings relating to his recent iconic image of St John Ogilvie in St Andrew’s Cathedral, has opened at the Glasgow Archdiocesan offices.

The public can now view a range of sketches and paintings by Mr Howson that he largely created in preparation for the painting of St John Ogilivie, which he regards as one of the most challenging works of his long and illustrious career.

The entire process of creating the major art work for St Andrew’s Cathedral took Mr Howson two years and, at times, the artist did not believe he would finish it.

“Twenty years ago I was in Bosnia during the war and it wasn’t as hard as this,” he told the SCO at the opening. “Facing an angry and armed border guard there wasn’t nearly as frightening as the thought that I might not do this justice, that I might let the church down.

“There were times when I didn’t think I would finish it. So I’m very happy with now it’s turned out and that everyone seems to be happy with it. I want thank Archbishop Conti for being an inspiration and all the staff at the archdiocese who have been so helpful to me.”

Mr Howson also thanked his fiancee, his sister and his psychologist as being of great help to him during the creation of the painting, during which time he suffered serious depression.

In his welcome to the opening of the exhibition, Archbishop Mario Conti said he was hugely grateful for the gift of the painting Mr Howson had given the cathedral and said he knew it had been costly to the artist.

“It is a great pleasure to open this exhibition and welcome everyone to it,” the archbishop said. “Great work is not achieved except by great effort on the part of men and women who are gifted with great talent. Peter Howson has donated his painting to the cathedral as an expression of his gratitude for a gift with which he was endowed from above.  We should not only enjoy, but also be inspired by this exhibition.”

Archbishop Conti also said that the exhibition offered an opportunity for members of the public to acquire some of Mr Howson’s work. Prices start from £900, with the entire collection being valued at an estimated £250,000.

“This exhibition shows the preparatory work which led to the final painting of St John Ogilvie which now hangs in the cathedral and it offers visitors the opportunity to acquire as well as to admire these studies and sketches which led to the finished work,” the archbishop said.

The archbishop added that he was delighted with how quickly and effectively the exhibition had been arranged in Eyre Hall and urged any other budding young artists to get in touch if they were interested in putting on an exhibition there.

— The exhibition opened on Saturday April 30 and runs until Sunday May 8 at the Archdiocesan offices, 196 Clyde Street. Opening hours: Saturday, Sunday 11am -5.00 pm; Tuesday to Friday, 9.00 am – 5.00 pm. Entry is free.

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