Theresa Flynn RSW – Gladiolus (Probably Hemerocallis)

Theresa Flynn RSW (Scottish 1923–2009) - Gladiolus (Probably Hemerocallis)

A vibrant mid-to-late 20th-century pastel by the Scottish artist Theresa Flynn RSW (1923–2009), depicting a generous arrangement of pale pink and white flowers in a dark green-blue jug. Signed at the lower right and retaining Flynn’s original address label to the reverse, identifying her as Theresa Flynn, R.S.W., 6 Rosebery Crescent, Edinburgh.

The work has traditionally been titled Gladiolus, with an old handwritten label to the reverse apparently recording the same title. The flowers themselves, however, appear botanically closer to Hemerocallis, or daylilies. Rather than emerging sequentially along a single upright flower spike in the manner characteristic of gladioli, the stems divide and branch, carrying individual blooms at their ends. The broad, open, trumpet-like flowers and arching arrangement are also consistent with Hemerocallis. The historic title Gladiolus has nevertheless been retained in recognition of the early label attached to the work.

Flynn arranges the flowers with considerable freedom across the almost square composition. The dark jug sits close to the centre of the lower half, providing a substantial visual anchor, while the stems and blooms spread irregularly outwards and upwards. Several flowers droop towards the tabletop at the lower left and right, while taller stems rise through the centre and towards the upper edge, creating a lively sense of movement rather than a formal or symmetrical arrangement.

The handling of the flowers is particularly expressive. Broad passages of cream and white pastel establish the petals, enlivened by vivid strokes of pink and touches of red at their centres. Fresh greens describe the branching stems and leaves, while deeper blue-green and charcoal tones introduce shadow and definition between the blooms. Against the smoky blue-grey background, the pale flowers appear especially luminous.

Colour plays an important role throughout the composition. The cool blues, greens and greys of the background and jug are contrasted with the warm ochre-brown tabletop, while repeated flashes of pink run across the flowers and visually connect the arrangement. The jug itself is loosely but effectively described through vertical strokes of deep blue, green, turquoise and pale grey, suggesting the reflections across its glazed surface without excessive detail.

Theresa Flynn was an established Scottish painter and an elected member of the Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour, becoming an RSW in 1969. Her known work encompasses still life, interiors, architectural subjects and landscape, including Scottish views and paintings made further afield. She worked across pastel, water-based media and oil, with surviving examples showing a consistent interest in expressive colour and freely handled surfaces.

The present work demonstrates these qualities particularly well. The pastel remains observational while avoiding literal botanical description, with individual petals, leaves and stems suggested through energetic marks rather than tightly delineated forms. The resulting surface has a spontaneous quality characteristic of pastel, while the strong underlying arrangement keeps the composition balanced.

The reverse is of additional interest, retaining Flynn’s printed address label from 6 Rosebery Crescent, Edinburgh, together with the small handwritten label apparently identifying the subject as Gladiolus. These provide useful documentary evidence linking the work directly to the artist and preserving its historic title.

Presented under glass within a broad cream mount and a dark, subtly metallic-toned moulded frame. A particularly attractive floral still life by a recognised Scottish RSW artist, combining delicate pink and white flowers with rich blue-green tones and a warm ochre foreground.

Artist: Theresa Flynn RSW (Scottish 1923–2009)
Title: Gladiolus (Probably Hemerocallis)
Date: 20th century
Medium: Pastel on paper
Signed: Signed lower right
Image size: 26cm x 28cm
Framed size: 42.5cm x 43.5cm
Provenance / Labels: Artist’s printed address label for 6 Rosebery Crescent, Edinburgh, together with an old handwritten title label retained to the reverse
Condition: Good vintage condition overall. The pastel presents well beneath glass, with minor age-related wear and marks to the mount and frame consistent with age and previous display.