Bonnar's Box
Reproduction
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Object number20483.01
TitleBonnar's Box
Creator John Ainsley Thom Bonnar,
DescriptionThis intriguing object is known as Bonnar’s Box, named after the artist responsible for the wonderful painting on the top, and for the family that donated it to the Smith. We believe the painting could be a small version used for a decorative ceiling – you can just imagine looking up in wonder at the intricate design. The central landscape is surrounded by other classical scenes and a delicate, decorative frieze. They are all tied together using beautiful complementary colours such as blue and a rich umber.
It is the work of the artist William Bonnar (1800-1853). Born in Edinburgh, he was the son of a well-known housepainter; having shown talent for painting from an early age, Bonnar went to work as apprentice to another leading decorative artist. He soon took up art as a profession and his successes led to him becoming a member of the Royal Scottish Academy in 1829, not long after it was formed. He moved from painting scenes of rural life into the lucrative world of portrait painting. Some of his work is held by the National Galleries of Scotland.
Where does the Stirling connection come in? The interior of the Smith was in fact decorated in 1874 by the family firm, Bonnar & Carfrae. One of the team, John A T Bonnar, stayed on in Stirling and it is his descendant, film-maker David Bonnar Thomson, who donated Bonnar’s Box to our collection. David was, in turn, inspired by visits to the Smith when he studied art at the High School of Stirling.
Production period19th century
Object nameBox
MaterialWood
Dimensions
image Height: 150 mm
image Diameter: 415 mm
image Diameter: 415 mm