One of John Henry Lorimer’s sisters affectionately accused him of ‘persistent burrowing’: of being inclined to retreat from the world. After finding early success as a portrait painter, with studios in both Edinburgh and London, he was lured to the East Neuk by his protective mother, concerned by his persistent ill health. A studio was purpose-built for him at their summer residence of Kellie Castle, where he came to spend more and more time; after his mother’s death in 1916 it became his principal residence. However, his career stagnated after its brilliant beginning; his professional reputation certainly faded, despite his continuing to paint until his death in 1936.

On a beam in the room below his studio a line from one of John Donne’s poems has been inscribed: ‘Be thine own palace, or the world’s thy jail’. Martin Gulbis, from Kellie Visitor Services, will consider whether Lorimer found his peace at Kellie Castle.

Members and non-members are welcome to attend our public talks at Dreel Halls in Anstruther. If you are not yet a member of the AIA you can attend individual Anster Nichts for £3 per event. Membership is £10 per year and to find out more please visit our Membership page:
http://www.anstrutherimprovements.org/support-us/membership/