Orkney Museum welcomes home Stanley Cursiter donation

An untitled painting by one of Orkney’s best-known artists – Stanley Cursiter – has been gifted to the Orkney Museum to go on public display in its original island context. 

The 1959 painting depicts a view of the northside of Birsay, looking over towards Westray and is now hanging on the wall within the Museum’s Baikie Drawing Room thanks to a kind donation from the Rendall family. 

The work was originally owned by the poet and naturalist Robert Rendall, a friend of Stanley Cursiter’s, and was later inherited by his brother William. It has been in the Rendall family for over 60 years, initially displayed in William’s house in Stranraer and later in his son Robert Peterson Rendall’s homes in Aberdeen. 

The artist was known for gifting works of art to family and friends, but it’s not known whether this particular piece was a gift, but it is thought that Robert Rendall may have requested this view especially. 

Earlier this year, Robert Peterson Rendall, his wife Ellen and their children contacted Orkney Museum’s social history curator, Ellen Pesci, as they were keen that the painting be returned to Orkney. 

Ellen said: “The family felt strongly that the painting should be on public display in its original island context to be fully appreciated. To receive a donation of this quality is incredible, and I am so grateful to the Rendall family for gifting this beautiful piece of art to us.  

“It was clear from my conversations with them that their decision to donate was heartfelt and considered, and that its return to Orkney, to be on display in a public building, was very important to them. I’m proud to have been able to find a good location for it, where it can be greatly admired by many visitors for years to come.” 

On behalf of the Rendall family, Robert’s son Peter Rendall said: “We decided as a family that the painting should return to where it originated, Orkney, so that everyone can get to see it and that we can also see it when we visit. 

“Now we have seen that it is hanging in your Museum we are all pretty chuffed that it has returned and is accessible to all.”