In 1976 Howard Butterworth set out on a different path as a full time artist and settled with his wife and young family in Glenmuick. He set up his easel and began capturing the beauty of the surrounding landscape in oil paint - inspired by its panoramic views, changing moods and skies.
Howard and his wife Hilary, a talented knitter and designer herself, started selling their creations under the moniker 'Paintings and Pullovers' from their home in Glenmuick. They originally hung paintings on the gate next to a hand-painted sign, later selling from a caravan for over 20 years in this idyllic spot surrounded by a menagerie of chickens, peacocks, ducks and geese etc. This setting welcomed all kinds of visitors, and on occasion, even royalty.
‘a young family arrived at an enchanted garden in Glenmuick to find a fairly neglected cottage which they intended to occupy , aided and abetted by brother ,John. It was a beautiful sunny Spring day… John was helped through the broken window and the Butterworth family have lived there happily everafter- Thanks to John's help and "The Powers that be" we have lived an extraordinary life in Glenmuick!’ Hilary Butterworth
For over 45 years, Howard has himself been a feature of the Scottish landscape. Often spotted outside painting ‘en plein air’ in all elements, capturing the changing moods and seasons in all weathers. His renowned ability to connect with places, stir emotions and depict moments in time is second to none. It is just one of the many reasons his artwork remains firmly established in the hearts of the people of the North East and those that visit.
Mary Louise Butterworth, the youngest daughter of the family, showed talent and a passion for art early on. She was keen to learn from her father as a child, eventually pursuing her own career as an artist after university in Edinburgh. Drawn to both urban and country settings she is fascinated by the psychology of place and meaning of objects . Her work expertly creates atmosphere, mood and spaces for contemplation, reflection and solace.
Howards eldest daughter Sarah settled in Ballogie in 1996 and later opened The Butterworth Gallery in the old village shop. The gallery, a four star Visit Scotland attraction, ran until 2022 and now runs exclusively online, remaining connected to the area and its community via occasional hosted exhibitions.