THE CLOUD. FROM OUTSIDE RIGHT AT THE SUNSET GATE UNIQUE PAINTING. 1994.

Unique painting 1994 – oil on paper. 31 x 21.5cm. One of the last of the paintings from the “Outside right at the sunset gate: series inspired by the true life story of former Spurs / Tottenham Hotspur (and much more importantly former Falkirk Football Club footballer) John White who died from a lightning strike while sheltering under a tree on a golf course. Campbell believed that the footballer had died at 7pm on the 7th of the seventh month (the date of death was approximately correct), had worn the number 7 shirt and used the imagery of the moment of death to create 91 different paintings some specifically displaying elements of the tragedy, others using the idea of coincidence to illustrate the artist’s own life and interests. This painting is of the footballer’s moisture (Campbell was clear on this – this was not a ghost) after death leaving his body while his dying hand is raised to the sky. (Campbell had recently had to come to face the mortality of those you love through the death of his own father – an event that caused him to paint several momento mori like this one). Fine in artist’s chosen frame. Signed on the back of the sheet. Ref: “Outside right at the sunside gate” published by William Hardie Gallery 1995- reproduced on the dustjacket bottom right.
NB. A small additional conincidence – this painting was purchased originally without any knowledge of Campbell’s inspiration. Paul Robertson who purchased this work for the Heart Fine Art archive had been a lifelong Falkirk FC supporter.

And John White’s nickname was “The Ghost”.

Come On Ye Bairns.