{"product_id":"theresa-flynn-rsw-gladiolus-probably-hemerocallis","title":"Theresa Flynn RSW – Gladiolus (Probably Hemerocallis)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTheresa Flynn RSW (Scottish 1923–2009) - Gladiolus (Probably Hemerocallis)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe work has traditionally been titled \u003cem\u003eGladiolus\u003c\/em\u003e, 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 \u003cem\u003eGladiolus\u003c\/em\u003e has nevertheless been retained in recognition of the early label attached to the work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlynn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColour 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheresa 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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 \u003cem\u003eGladiolus\u003c\/em\u003e. These provide useful documentary evidence linking the work directly to the artist and preserving its historic title.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePresented 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eArtist:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Theresa Flynn RSW (Scottish 1923–2009)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTitle:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGladiolus (Probably Hemerocallis)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDate:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 20th century\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMedium:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Pastel on paper\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSigned:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Signed lower right\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImage size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 26cm x 28cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFramed size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 42.5cm x 43.5cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvenance \/ Labels:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Artist’s printed address label for 6 Rosebery Crescent, Edinburgh, together with an old handwritten title label retained to the reverse\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"63Arts Edinburgh","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55223590060373,"sku":null,"price":295.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1038\/7170\/9525\/files\/FlynnPlate.jpg?v=1791289763","url":"https:\/\/63arts.co.uk\/products\/theresa-flynn-rsw-gladiolus-probably-hemerocallis","provider":"63Arts Edinburgh","version":"1.0","type":"link"}