Sir John Lavery, R.A., R.S.A., R.H.A.

The sitter in the present work, Margaret Jean Fairlie Dunn, known as Meta to her family, was the sister of Sir Patrick Smith Dunn, a prominent Glasgow businessman active in the shipping industry. He was also a notable figure in the promotion of the arts in Glasgow and was chair of the Board of Governors for Glasgow School of Art. His association with Glasgow School of Art brought him in to close contact with many of the leading artists of the day including Charles Rennie Mackintosh and John Lavery, with whom he formed a good friendship. 

The present portrait of Meta was originally unsigned but at a dinner party held by Sir Patrick, Lavery, who was a guest, signed and dated the work.