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A Tale of Two Scots:

In John Muir's House

Historic California Collection Reunites John Muir and William Keith


For immediate release: August 1, 2002

Hearst Art Gallery and the William Keith Collection: 925-631-4069 or hdonner@stmarys-ca.edu.
Gallery web address: http://gallery.stmarys-ca.edu

MORAGA -- Fourteen of the original twenty William Keith and Thomas Hill paintings that graced the walls of John Muir's Martinez home have been located for the newest exhibition at the Hearst Art Gallery's Keith Room. "A Tale of Two Scots: In John Muir's House" is the final of a series of four exhibitions examining the influential friendship between Keith and Muir.

Brother Fidelis Cornelius, a Christian Brother and Saint Mary's College professor, first saw Keith's work during a 1908 visit with Muir. The great naturalist showed his visitor Keith paintings while regaling him with stories about his old traveling companion, describing the passion the two shared for exploring the natural wonders of their adopted country. From that day forward, Brother Cornelius dedicated his professional life to the study of the life and work of William Keith.

"In John Muir's House" will feature 12 Keith paintings and 2 Hill paintings on loan from the Muir/Hanna families, the Pacific School of Religion, the Oakland Museum, the Martinez Public Library, and the John Muir Memorial Association.

Muir's descendants will attend a public opening weekend reception on Sunday, August 18, from 2 until 4 p.m., in the gallery. The exhibition will be on view from August 17 through October 13, 2002. It will reopen November 2 through December 8, 2002, and finally, January 11 through February 23, 2003.

Contact Heidi Donner at 925.631-4069 or hdonner@stmarys-ca.edu for more information.


Previous Exhibits in the Series


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