Memorial stone proposed for famous artist Robert Noble

Robert Noble, who was born in 1857 and died in 1917, is buried in Prestonkirk Cemetery, East Linton.

Two years ago, an exhibition of his paintings was held in Haddington’s John Gray Centre after being curated by Helen and Iain Paterson, while a book was published about Noble, who studied in Paris and became a painter committed to the Barbizon School of painting – a group of realist artists who believed that painting should be undertaken outwith the studio.

Returning to Scotland from France, Noble found that the landscapes of East Lothian, and the countryside surrounding East Linton in particular, fitted his ideals of subject matter perfectly.

Now, Mr Patterson, a retired lecturer from Edinburgh College of Art, wants a memorial stone and bronze plaque placed at the junction of East Linton’s Preston Road and High Street in tribute to Noble.

In a document included as a planning application for the sculpture, he notes the importance of the artist.

“At the turn of the century, East Linton was a thriving art colony and attracted many painters to the town and the surrounding countryside,” it said.

“The nearby local library displays two significant Noble paintings and gives further background information on the life of the artist.

“It is appropriate by this installation that proper recognition is given to the contribution that Robert Noble made to East Linton.”

The proposals, which are being considered up by East Lothian Council’s planning department, are for a stone with a bronze plaque.

Stone has been sourced from nearby Markle Quarry, with the bronze plaque taken from a cast made from the bronze portrait on Noble’s headstone.

The document adds: “The proposed location for the memorial allows the bronze Mr Noble a view of both East Linton and of his house ‘The Neuk’, No.2 Preston Road.”

Judith Priest, chairwoman of Dunpender Community Council, lives directly opposite the site of the proposed memorial. She said: “I’m sure it will be tastefully done.”