This sketchbook dates from Gillies' time at school in Haddington. It is inscribed on the inside front cover 'William G Gillies, Knox Institute, Haddington'. It shows Gillies' precocious early talent at the ages of just 15-17.
Opening on a painting of his childhood dog Barney, what follows is a sketchbook full of ink, pencil and watercolour sketches of various locations throughout the East of Scotland. Featuring views of Haddington, Anstruther, Letham and North Berwick, this book is a good example of some of the painting spots Gillies discovered in his formative artistic years.
