William McLaren (1923–87) (attr) after Rex Whistler ‘Lares Et Penates’

Attributed to William McLaren (1923–1987)
After Reginald John “Rex” Whistler (1905–1944)
“Lares Et Penates”
Pen and ink with watercolour 

Measures:-
35.5 cm x 25 cm

This illustration, attributed to the Scottish artist William McLaren, is a copy, with some additions and alterations, of Rex Whistler’s frontispiece to Beverley Nichols’ book “A Thatched Roof” (First Published 1933).

Rex Whistler had been the artist preferred by the author Nichols’ to illustrate his works: most notably he produced adornments for the popular “Allways” trilogy (“Down the Garden Path”; “A Thatched Roof” and “Village in a Valley”). After Rex Whistler’s death in WWII, William McLaren took up the pen and brush to decorate Beverley Nichols’ books, sympathetically following the earlier artist’s style, particularly in such work as he produced for the author’s “The Merry Hall” trilogy.

The present work is an accurate facsimile (with a little artistic license) of one of Whistler’s designs for Beverley Nichols’ most fondly regarded books. It has been suggested that the watercolour is actually by Rex Whistler himself (although not accepted as such by the Whistler archive). It is certainly by an accomplished artist extremely familiar with his style and oeuvre with William McLaren being the most likely candidate.