Altus Arts

Description

A fine and historic view of Berwick on Tweed, Northumberland, showing the Old Bridge, and a busy river scene, by Robert John Scott Bertram (1871-1953), a versatile artist and teacher born in Newcastle. The son of a ship’s chandler, Bertram won a scholarship to the art school at Durham College of Science and Art in Newcastle and in 1895 was made a part-time assistant. By 1920 he had risen to master of design at what was then Armstrong College. He retired in 1937.

Hi abilities made much-used by publishers in the northeast and he illustrated numerous books including Northumberland County History. His Newcastle upon Tyne Sketch Book appeared in 1914, a Durham Sketch Book in 1920. His works were shown at Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle and once at the R.A. Summer Exhibition.

Bertram had a strong interest in historical landscapes and building preservation, belonging to the Society of Antiquaries in Newcastle, and its Pen and Palette Club. He retired to Whitby where he exhibited at the Pannet Art Gallery.