Jack Vettriano, ‘Singing Butler’ Painter, Passes Away at 73
Jack Vettriano, the famous Scottish painter best known for his iconic artwork The Singing Butler, has passed away at the age of 73. His publicist confirmed that Jack Vettriano death occurred at his apartment in Nice, France, on Saturday. Authorities have stated that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his passing.
The Singing Butler painter, widely recognized for his evocative and nostalgic style, was a self-taught artist whose work gained immense popularity among art enthusiasts. His most celebrated painting, The Singing Butler, became the UK’s best-selling art print and set a Scottish record when it was auctioned in 2004.
The Early Life of Jack Vettriano
Born as Jack Hoggan on November 17, 1951, in Methil, Fife, Jack Vettriano left school at 15 to work as a mining engineer before transitioning into personnel management. His journey into art began when he received a set of watercolour paints for his 21st birthday. This gift ignited a passion that led him to become one of the most celebrated Scottish painters of modern times.
Determined to master his craft, Jack Vettriano studied the works of renowned Scottish artists such as Samuel Peploe and William McTaggart. He spent countless hours at Kirkcaldy Galleries, absorbing their techniques and refining his own style.
Jack Vettriano’s Rise to Fame
His breakthrough moment came in 1989 when he submitted two paintings to the Royal Scottish Academy’s annual show. Both artworks sold on the first day, encouraging him to pursue painting full-time. Despite criticism from the art elite, Jack Vettriano achieved worldwide fame, holding exhibitions in London, New York, Hong Kong, and Johannesburg.
The Singing Butler painter remained unapologetic about his commercial success, often stating that he valued public appreciation over critical acclaim. He was appointed an OBE in 2003 for his contributions to visual arts.
The Legacy of ‘The Singing Butler’
The painting The Singing Butler remains Jack Vettriano’s most iconic work. Depicting a couple dancing on a windswept beach while attended by their butler and maid, the painting captured the imagination of art lovers worldwide. It was sold at auction in 2004 for £744,800, setting a Scottish record at the time.
Notably, the painting was later reinterpreted by Banksy in Crude Oil (Vettriano), a piece owned by Blink-182’s Mark Hoppus, which is expected to fetch between £3 million and £5 million at an upcoming auction in London.
Jack Vettriano’s Recognition in the Art World
Despite being dismissed by some critics, Jack Vettriano‘s work has been celebrated in major exhibitions. His self-portrait The Weight was displayed at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery in 2011. His first major retrospective, held at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow in 2013, attracted more than 136,000 visitors, marking it as one of the most successful art exhibitions in Scotland.
In 2022, another retrospective at Kirkcaldy Galleries highlighted his formative years and early career. His contributions extended beyond traditional canvases—he also created a portrait of Billy Connolly for a BBC tribute in 2017.
Jack Vettriano’s Influence and Legacy
The Jack Vettriano obituary has sparked tributes from across the world, with many reflecting on his impact on contemporary Scottish art. His evocative paintings have been collected by figures such as Jack Nicholson, Sir Alex Ferguson, and Sir Tim Rice.
Throughout his life, Jack Vettriano was open about his personal struggles with mental health and addiction. Despite these challenges, his art continued to inspire and captivate audiences. His passing marks the end of an era, but his work will undoubtedly continue to influence future generations.
Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, paid tribute, stating:
“I am very sorry to hear the news that Jack Vettriano has died. He made a unique and evocative contribution to artistic life in Scotland in such compelling style.”
As the world mourns the loss of this famous Scottish painter, his legacy lives on through the timeless beauty of his paintings, ensuring that Jack Vettriano’s art will be cherished for generations to come.
