Very Large Original Oil Painting Of Golfer John Whyte-Melville At St Andrews Golf Club

Very Large Original Oil Painting Of Golfer John Whyte-Melville At St Andrews


This is a highly evocative and finely executed oil on board portrait depicting John Whyte-Melville of Bennochy and Strathkiness (1797–1883), shown in traditional sporting attire comprising a red captain’s coat, grey trousers and black hat. He stands confidently holding his wooden golf club in his right hand, reflecting his important association with the early history of the game.


The setting is St Andrews, featuring the iconic Swilcan Bridge with golfers in play and the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse visible beyond — unmistakable landmarks of the world’s most celebrated golfing location.


The work successfully combines portraiture with landscape, offering strong narrative interest through the inclusion of a caddie in the foreground and a dramatic, atmospheric sky. The painting has excellent depth and character, making it a particularly appealing piece for collectors of sporting art and Scottish history.


This is the artists, E Watson version of the original painted by Sir Francis Grant and which sold at Christie’s in 2012 for £80,000


Housed in an impressive and richly detailed ornate gilt frame with deep scrolling foliate decoration. The frame is substantial and enhances the presence of the artwork, making it an eye-catching statement piece.


Medium: Oil on board

Subject: Scottish golfing portrait

Frame: Original gilt decorative frame


A superb and characterful work celebrating early golf at St Andrews — ideal for collectors, clubhouses, or interiors seeking a strong sporting statement.


The frame measures approx 86 x 107cm and the painting size is approx 61 x 92cm area of loss to top left of frame top left as per photo


Please refer to photo as they form part of the description

History of the original painting

The original painting is hanging in the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse, St Andrews which was commission by the members of the Union Club of St Andrews and exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1875 (no 212) and at the Royal Scottish Academy in 1876 (no 320).

John Whyte-Melville of Bennochy and Strathkinness was born on 21st June 1797 and on 1st June 1819 he married Lady Catherine Osborne, youngest daughter of the 5th Duke of Leeds.

His role in the history of golf is confirmed by his inclusion as one of the figures in one of the most important paintings depicting the sport; Charles Lees celebrated masterpiece The Grand Match. In October 1816 he became a member of the Royal and Ancient and was elected Captain of the Club in 1823. In 1853 he seconded an important resolution proposed by John Grant uniting the Royal and Ancient Golf Club with the Union Club and in the same year was asked to lay the foundation stone of the new clubhouse.

He is also renowned for a famous survival bet made with Sir David Moncreiff in 1820. The terms of the curious wager stipulated that on the death of one of them, the other should donate to the club a silver putter on which the arms of the two parties were engraved.

His son, George Whyte-Melville, the Victorian novelist, is recorded as having said that he could not go round the Links as well or as often as his father. The old man played until he was well over 85, two rounds on three days every week, in all weather conditions

Will be well packaged for safe delivery