Portrait of James Watson MD 1787-1871, President 1838-41, 1849-52, 1857-60

Seated three-quarter length in President's chair.

Watson initially intended undertake a career in the ministry, but after completing his theological studies at the University of Glasgow turned to medicine. He became a member of the Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow in 1810 and was appointed Surgeon to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary in 1813. He changed course again, graduating MD from the University of Glasgow in 1828, returning to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary as Physician in 1842.

James Watson served a record three terms as President of the Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons between 1838 and 1860, and became known as “The Father of the Faculty.” He is pictured here seated in the President’s chair, which still resides in the President’s office in College today.

19th century

102

116 x 96 cm

oil on canvas