Portrait of the Ursula Bonneau Morrison McGillivray house

McGillivray's Legacy: A McClellanville Treasure

In the heart of McClellanville, overlooking Jeremy Creek and nestled beside the bustling shrimp market, stands a piece of history - the Ursula Bonneau Morrison McGillivray House. Built around 1920, this charming abode was once home to Dr. Hugh Swinton McGillivray, the inaugural Chairman of the English Department at The Citadel, and his family. As a Citadel alumnus (Class of 2004), I felt a deep connection to this property, especially upon discovering the striking similarity between the red accents on the house's steps and roof and the iconic red sallyport of the Barracks on campus.

This plein air oil painting, created in 2023, captures the essence of this beloved landmark, where the past meets the present. The scene is alive with the spirit of James Brown Morrison, who once rode horseback in front of the house, and the vibrant energy of the shrimp boats docked in Jeremy Creek.

I'm honored to share this piece, which bridges my personal heritage and artistic passion. The story of this house is a testament to the enduring legacy of the McGillivray family and the rich history of McClellanville."

Special thanks to my mother's book, McMillan, S.H., Hill, S.B., McClellanville and the Saint James Santee Parish, Arcadia Publishing, Chicago, IL, 2006, P. 74, for the historical reference and inspiration.

Mediums: RGH Hand Washed Linseed Oil

Process: Grisaille with minimal Gamsol/OMS, then looking, mixing, and painting over a number of days.