McGauran, Edward (McKechnie Section 4)

Recorded by Woodiwiss (British Silhouettes), also by Mrs Peggy Hickman ('The Art of Silhouette in Dublin', Country Life, 27 July 1961), whose article has been my main source.

An Irish artist, McGauran lived at 16 Aungier Street, Dublin, as his trade label tells us. Dublin street directories for 1790-92 list him as a hairdresser; for 1793-96, as 'profile-painter'. That such an eminent figure as the Earl of Fingall sat to him indicates that in these few years McGauran must have acquired a considerable reputation. From his trade label we learn that he also taught the art of varnishing pier tables and screens, sold pier tables, and painted tables, screens and boxes ‘according to fancy’.

The text of the trade label yields two points of interest. The word ‘enamel’ appears to mean plaster, since no other surface is mentioned and we know that McGauran painted on plaster. Also, McGauran advertises not only bust-length work, but half- and full-length profiles. If the full-length profiles, measuring twelve inches (presumably in height; one dimension is missing), were also painted on plaster, then McGauran would be the only artist known to have painted full-length silhouettes on plaster.

The illustrated silhouette (of the Earl of Fingall) is well painted in black and soft tones of grey, the cravat and shirt-frill being drawn in line. The earl is wearing a frock with a braided edge to the collar and lapel, which has been faithfully depicted.

The text of McGauran’s trade label is quoted below. The price of 8s 51/2d is unusual; only Dublin artists seem to have included halfpennies in their prices.

MC. GAURAN

No. 16, Aungier Street, DUBLIN

PROFILE PAINTER IN MINIATURE SHADES.

Either Busts, half-Length or full-Length Figures painted on white Enamel, preserving the LIKENESS with the greatest Animation and Softness, the Shades taken in one Minute, the Busts elegantly mounted with Convex Glasses, and Burnished Gilt Frames, at 6s 6d. half Lengths, ditto 8s 51/2d, and whole Length Figures in Oval Gilt Frames, — inches by 12, at One Guinea each. — The above are all finished in an improved Stile of Shading, and Likenesses engaged. — Teaches the Art of Varnishing Pier Tables, Screens, &c, to LADIES at their own Apartments for One Guinea — has for Sale a Number of Pier Tables beautifully painted and varnished, from 15s. to Three Guineas each — Paints any Tables, Screens or Boxes, according to Fancy, and fitted to the respective Apartments on the most moderate terms.

Ills. 1282, 1283