GP’s legacy ensures gallery remains a picture of health

The Friends of the Ferens Art Gallery have bought “Georgie”, a small head and shoulders portrait of Georgina Gaskin, painted by her husband Arthur Gaskin in 1898.

It was purchased from funds left by Dr Gordon Drummond, originally from Edinburgh, who worked as a GP in the Hessle Road area of Hull for 30 years, and was a long-standing member of the Friends. His three sons will visit the gallery tomorrow to see the painting on display.

The Gaskins were designers of jewellery, enamel and metalwork, and Mrs Gaskin is believed to be wearing a wig in the picture as she lost her hair through mercury poisoning because of her work.

The tempera study, made from dry powder pigments with egg as a binding agent, enhances the gallery’s holding of works in this medium, and its collection of portraits, an acknowledged strength.

Brian Hill, chairman of the Friends, said: “A huge thanks to Dr Drummond for providing the opportunity for the Friends to acquire this gem. We are all very excited to finally have the opportunity to see the painting on its return from restoration and hope the family will agree that this work creates a fitting tribute to their father’s memory.”