James Wallace Ferguson is no relation to Dr. James Walker Ferguson (23 January 1913 - 15 January 2008) from Glasgow; a specialist in rehabilitation medicine, who also painted. His works usually have his address at the back of his piece, usually at 20 Montrose Gardens, Milngavie. He normally signed his art 'J.W. Ferguson' and favoured pastels and watercolours. The 'F' in his 'Ferguson' signature is distinctive, similar to the SNP logo.[1][2]
Further, James Wallace Ferguson is no relation to J.W. Ferguson; a 19th-century watercolour artist. His work is topographical and is in the Victorian Scottish School style.[3] Various dates are proposed for his life but c.1849-1886 seems likely.[4] His work is normally signed 'J.W. Ferguson', the 'erguson' being a slightly blocky-looking lower case.[5] It is known that J.W. Ferguson went to southern England and Bruges.[6]
Another J. W. Ferguson painting in Sunderland around 1885, his oil on millboard work The Tug Rescue Towing the Brig Polly into Sunderland Harbour in the Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens, is not likely to be the same J.W. Ferguson that specialised in watercolours, unless the artist's style changed radically towards the end of his life. A birth year of 1866 has been suggested.[7] His artist signature is also 'J.W. Ferguson' but the font looks similar to capital letters throughout.[7]
A James Ferguson (fl. 1831)[8][9] of 6 Drummond Place, Edinburgh - having a 'Drawing and Painting Academy' and first moving to 17 George Street[10] and then moving to 'more commodius apartments' at 25 George Street, Edinburgh in November 1831[11] - also painted with a speciality of geological drawing and natural history.[11][12]
James Thomas Ferguson (23 November 1923 - 25 December 2013) was an Edinburgh artist. He studied at Edinburgh College of Art and then taught art at Forrester High School in the city. He exhibited at the Royal Scottish Academy. His work can be seen at the University of Edinburgh art collection.[13] If his work is signed it is either 'James Ferguson'[14] or 'James T. Ferguson'.[15]
Finally, another James Ferguson (1710-1776) was a portrait painter. He was probably under the patronage of the 5th Duke of Perth, John Drummond. His works can be seen in the National Gallery of Scotland. His work is unlikely to be mistaken for that of James Wallace Ferguson.[16]