New Exhibition! “James McBey: Etchings” is open now. The Cummer Museum owns one of the largest collection of works by artist James McBey (1883 – 1959) outside of his native Scotland.

As an artist for the British Expeditionary Force during World War I, McBey created boldly realized visual documents of the landscapes and people he encountered. Even during wartime, when all sketching was prohibited without special permission, McBey continued to diligently observe and record the events that unfolded before him.

His friend, artist and fellow soldier Martin Hardie, who was also a curator at the Victoria & Albert Museum, reported that McBey “had to depend on thumbnail notes, and on small sketches made in the palm of the hand, and even inside his pocket” to gather the material needed for creating his prints.

Visit the Museum to experience these incredible etchings in person.

James McBey (British, 1883 – 1959), Riva at Dusk, 1925, etching, Gift of Mrs. James McBey, AG.1961.1.128.