Scottish painter Jack Vettriano, best known for his iconic painting The Singing Butler, has passed away at the age of 73.
His publicist confirmed that he was found dead in his apartment in Nice, France, on Saturday. Authorities have stated that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
Vettriano was a self-taught artist whose work captured the imagination of the public. His most famous painting, The Singing Butler, became the UK’s best-selling art print and set a Scottish record when it was auctioned in 2004. Despite facing criticism from art circles, his popularity never waned, and his work continued to be celebrated across the world.
Born as Jack Hoggan on 17 November 1951 in Methil, Fife, Vettriano left school at 15 to become a mining engineer before transitioning into personnel management. His journey into the world of art began at the age of 21 when he received a set of watercolour paints as a birthday gift.
He spent much of his free time teaching himself to paint, closely studying works from artists like Samuel Peploe and William McTaggart at the Kirkcaldy Galleries.
His breakthrough moment arrived in 1989 when he submitted two paintings to the Royal Scottish Academy’s annual show. Both works sold on the first day, inspiring him to pursue painting as a full-time career.
Over the years, his works gained international recognition, leading to exhibitions in major cities such as London, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, and New York.
Despite his success, Vettriano was frequently dismissed by art critics, who described his work in unflattering terms, calling it “brainless erotica” and “crass male fantasy.”
However, he remained undeterred, responding in a Radio Times interview that his true validation came from the public, whose support meant far more to him than the opinions of critics. He was appointed an OBE in 2003 for his services to visual arts.
The Singing Butler, his most renowned piece, depicts an elegantly dressed couple dancing on a stormy beach while a butler and a maid shield them with umbrellas. The painting sold at auction in 2004 for £744,800, breaking records for Scottish art.
Its popularity was further cemented when Banksy reinterpreted it in his Crude Oil (Vettriano) series, which later became part of Blink-182 star Mark Hoppus’ collection and is now expected to fetch between £3m and £5m at auction.
Despite initial rejections from galleries, Vettriano eventually earned recognition in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, where his self-portrait, The Weight, was displayed long-term after its 2011 renovation.
His first major retrospective took place at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow in 2013, attracting more than 136,000 visitors during its five-month run. It was considered the most successful commercial exhibition ever held in the city.
A second retrospective was held in 2022 at Kirkcaldy Galleries, highlighting his formative years and early works. Vettriano’s contribution to Scottish culture extended beyond painting, as he created a portrait of Billy Connolly, which was used for one of three giant murals celebrating the comedian’s 75th birthday in 2017.
His paintings were highly sought after by notable figures, including Jack Nicholson, Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Tim Rice, and Robbie Coltrane. His work resonated deeply with collectors, reinforcing his status as one of Scotland’s most beloved contemporary artists.
Throughout his life, Vettriano was open about his struggles with mental health and his battles with substance abuse. He often spoke about his experiences with alcohol and drugs, acknowledging their impact on his life and career.
Following his passing, his publicist released a statement saying, “His passing marks the end of an era for contemporary Scottish art. His evocative and timeless works will continue to captivate and inspire future generations.” First Minister John Swinney also paid tribute, offering condolences to Vettriano’s family.
“I am very sorry to hear the news that Jack Vettriano has died,” Swinney wrote on X. “He made a unique and evocative contribution to artistic life in Scotland in such compelling style.”
