"Mrs Ryan"

Art

This portrait titled “Mrs Ryan” has been selected because the sitter and artist have close links to Lochaber. Keith Henderson (1883–1982) was a Scottish painter who worked in both oils and watercolours. He had a long professional career and served as a war artist in both the First and Second world wars. Henderson lived near Spean Bridge for a time. The sitter, Elizabeth Ryan, nee MacDonald (1863 - 1954) was a founder member of the West Highland Museum and our Chairman from 1938 until 1950. She was an inspirational lady. She married a tea planter and lived in Ceylon until 1920. When her husband died, she returned to Lochaber and moved to Roy Bridge where she was very active in the community. She founded the SWRI in Spean Bridge and was the Inverness-Shire President for 27 years. She was on the Board at the Belford Hospital and a Manager for St Andrew’s Ambulance. She was also actively involved in the Catholic Church, playing organ at Roy Bridge Church. She is pictured taking tea on a MacDonald tartan tablecloth.

Material: oil on canvas

Size: H 755 mm x W 505 mm

Sources: West Highland Museum