John Johnson Ather

Sometimes it isn’t only the painting that is engaging. It’s the research and/or the artist that is intriguing. I bought this painting on Ebay. Signature bottom right: John J Ather.

Not many references to this artist. Then after shifting the arrangement of the search string, this work popped up.

Lady Sylvia Maitland (1913–1991).

Thirlestane Castle. Thirlestane Castle Trust, which led me to the artist’s details: John Johnson Ather - 1915–1964.

I then switched to a BDM site and found his place of birth: 1915. Durham. Fortnately, Ather is a rare name... 

Then this appeared on the screen:
HMS Hood.
12 Aug 1915
Place of Birth: Brandon, Durham.
Former Occupation: Laboratory Assistant
Service: Royal Navy
Service No.: PSSX 16362
Previous Service No.: Not known
Rank in Hood (highest): Able Seaman (Pom pom Anti-aircraft Gunner)
Period in Hood: 21 Feb 1936 - 26 Sep 1937
Biographical Information: Served in/at H.M.S. Ramillies, Revenge, Victory and Excellent during the Second world war.

Here’s John Johnson Ather's photograph. And another photo of the good-looking chappie aboard HMS Hood.

John Johnson Ather

John Johnson Ather - top right

maitland tartan

Anyway, back to the painting, the sitter appears to wear maitland tartan, which suggests he's a relative of Lady Sylvia Maitland ... How he became an artist and earned that commission to paint Lady Maitland, I don't know - yet. But his painting still hangs in Thirlestane Castle - and another in my house.
Sadly, these are the only two paintings and references to him I can find.

Ather signatures compared

Under the brown, flaking background particles of blue remained, which I matched and this is the result. 

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The comments on this post are revealing, interesting, and more than generous in the time and effort to add to the information of the talented John Ather. I'll add the images from the comments to the main blog overtime, but first I'll post this image by John Ather of his daughter, Carolyn. 

The following paintings are in private ownership.