For Trish, Chance to see the leaning art begins towers - both at forty of them! Once again a visit to Italy for club THE NEWSLETTER OF THE ART CLUB SPRING 2010 No. 33 members and friends is being planned Patricia Cain is one of nine for later this year. This time the President’s column artists, all in the early stage of destination is the Emilia-Romagna district, where the group will be based their careers, who were at or near Bologna. The seven-day trip, organised by Osprey Holidays of Young artists - why are so few accepted? recently awarded a two-year , is provisionally scheduled membership of Glasgow Art for the first week in September, flying I am sure all members will have group in the background. It has taken young exhibiting artist members. from Edinburgh, with a coach laid on learned of the death of Dr James D a group of three people to replace him! There is an encouraging number of Club. Their work was seen in from to the Robertson with great sadness. He was I wish Jennifer Irvine, Liz Knox and applications but a depressing lack of the Group Fellowship airport. a legendary figure in the life of the Hazel Nagl well, and congratulate successful applications. I raise the Bologna, at the foot of the Appenines, Club, a great artist and a dear friend to Jennifer on what I question – is this because the exhibition in the club gallery is one of the oldest and finest cities in many of us. His loss is a grievous one. am sure you will applicants are of such low artistic last summer Italy, the old city still partly enclosed What should have been a dinner to agree was a most merit, or do our vetting procedures Patricia Cain in her studio by medieval walls. Amongst its many celebrate the award of an MBE will uplifiting spring need examination? Is there a case for landmarks are not one but two leaning now be a retrospective exhibition and exhibition – one some objective qualification rather tribute to his life’s work this autumn. of the best and than the subjective judgment of those Six years ago Patricia Cain was a husband Sam Cartman, who is also an towers. There will be visits to Mantua, Can I thank Martin Frame and Paul best supported in exhibiting artists who choose to successful lawyer running her own birthplace of the poet Virgil, ‘a very artist – they married last May. His Dowds, who left council at the annual recent years. I participate in the process? practice in Carlisle. She had a staff of studio is at one end of the roomy flat, attractive little town’, according to Michael Moulder, regular leader of business meeting, for all their hard hope this is the I look forward to a successful 2010 for eight and good prospects of expanding hers at the other. From her first these visits. ‘It’s like a little Venice’ – work. Paul will continue as a trustee start of a trend. the club. Work will soon be starting on the business. But she had doubts. marriage Trish has a 20-year-old son, there’s a lot of water. The group will and I am sure Martin will continue to James Robertson I raise as a lay the billiard room project and the ‘Do I want to do this for the next Tom, and a daughter Ella, who is 14. also visit Ferrara, where the moated beaver away in the club’s interest, MBE member an issue preliminary investigation on the twenty years?’ she asked herself. At the Stacked against her studio walls are Castello Estense and the Cathedral are encouraging people to join and attend - see pages 4 & 5 with not a little Mackintosh frieze. Let’s keep our age of forty, she felt it was time to paintings of work in progress, most particularly worth seeing, and club events. trepidation. The fingers crossed that it’s there! fulfill a youthful ambition. She’d be an visibly a large triptych showing the Ravenna, ‘literally wall to wall Robert Kelsey was a tower of strength future of the visual artistic side of the artist. rooftops of Florence, where she lived mosaics’, says Michael. ‘Binoculars are as hon. secretary. He continues on club’s activities and standing depends Trish knew what she was doing. She for three months in 2008 after winning a must’. council and will help our secretary on the regular recruitment of new had studied at art school, at first in the RSA’s Kinross travel scholarship. Carlisle, near her home town of Recently, fascinated by old wartime Penrith, and then at St Martin’s photographs of Clydebank, she has Fruitful trip Watercolour College of Art in London. Now it was been imaginatively recreating images On last year’s trip a street scene caught time to make up for lost time. of the bombed tenements. She has the eye of artist Hazel Nagl, resulting show is a coup She came north on a scholarship to immersed herself in the subject, in her painting ‘Fruit Shop, the train at of Art, where researching stories of the blitz and Veneto’. Suffused with the colour and for the club she gained a PhD in fine art. As a talking people who lived through it, light of Italy, it won her the Alexander struggling artist and a single mum, which she feels is a necessary Graham Munro award, worth £1000, money was tight, but since graduating grounding for her art. at the recent RSW exhibition in A notable event took place at Glasgow she has gained increasing recognition, John Fowler Edinburgh. Art Club on Friday, April 24, with the most recently as winner of the Aspect opening of an exhibition of more than 70 paintings selected from the spring prize, worth £15,000. This prize, exhibition in London of the Royal funded by Aspect Capital, the See the mural, catch a train Watercolour Society. investment management company, is The event is important on several open to artists Scottish by birth, or Passengers on the southbound platform occasion in 1320 when ’s claim counts. It is the first time the RWS, those who live and work in Scotland. at Arbroath station can now study a to be an independent nation was whose origins go back more than two Trish was one of four artists short- large mural by past president Charles asserted in the presence of Robert the centuries to the earliest days of RWS president David Paskett in Glasgow. Behind him, his painting ‘Hat Display’. listed. Anderson showing the signing of the Bruce. Charles unveiled a plaque beside watercolour painting in Britain, has Her entry consisted of paintings of Declaration of Arbroath, the historic his mural on April 6 to mark its safe come to Scotland. It is the first time show featuring the Glasgow Boys, an hopes that this will be the first of many arrival. construction work at the Riverside that the club has hosted such an exhibition also destined to cross the such visiting exhibitions. He said: Charles painted the mural in 1984 for Museum, Glasgow’s new museum of important exhibition from furth of border, but in the other direction when ‘Since we recently became open to the display in Arbroath’s Abbeygate it transfers to the Royal Academy. public, it would be highly beneficial if transport designed by Zaha Hadid. Scotland. shopping centre. When the centre was Guest speakers at the opening included The waterclour show was organised we could organise more high-profile They are intricate representations of given a make-over in the 1990s the David Paskett, president of the RWS, by the Art Club’s George Devlin. exhibitions in the gallery, which as we the building in its skeletal stage, mural was taken down and stored. John Inglis, president of the Royal George had at first envisaged an know is one of Glasgow’s best-kept closely detailed and yet imaginatively Recently enthusiasts saved it from its Scottish Society of Painters in exchange of shows between the secrets’. interpreted imminent fate (‘in a skip’ says Charles) Watercolour, and Lord Macfarlane of Scottish and English societies (he is a Trish lives in a top-floor flat and arranged for it to be erected at the Bearsden – who, speaking of the member of both), but when that • A Brush with Life, a book on the art overlooking Kelvingrove park with her station. ‘After ten years in storage it still strength of visual arts in Glasgow, proved difficult, the opportunity of George Devlin by the French writer looks good’, he says. mentioned the current Kelvingrove opened for GAC to be host. George Thierry Gardie, is now on sale.

8 CHEERS! DOWN In from the Champagne for the Clive family, WITH THE cold - a winners in the club’s first quiz Burns night night, held last ‘GLUE-POT’ month. Quiz master to remember Gary Gilday presents the prize. PAINTERS Sample question: Which animal In March Paul Dowds gave an Top table. William McIlvanney is third from the left provides hair for a illustrated and illuminating talk on the camel hair brush? Art Club to the ‘From scenes like these...’ Answer: Squirrel. Friends of . The Of course. room in which they met, Paul told the Anniversaries – the turnings of the years. Speakers included Lesley Duncan’s soft cottage. Most memorably he commented audience, had been described by the They keep coming, eagerly anticipated and sweet poetic delivery, John on Scotland’s ‘cultural DNA’, that celebrated cultural historian Kenneth by the young, celebrated by the many, Hamilton’s serious To a Mouse, Martin hereditary and genetic strand that links (Lord) Clark, of the TV Civilisation lamented or even dreaded by the oldies. Frame’s apologia for previous unkind us to past and future generations. Its Hired for a song - my duet with series, as ‘the most admirable and Christmas comes and goes in a welter of words about the lasses and Alison power does not wane as the years roll. hymns and gifts and hugs; Ne’erday Gordon’s forgiving reply. Our principal And after music and song from Miller important small gallery in Europe’. comes and goes in a splurge of lubricated guest was novelist and literatus William Frondigoun and John Crawford, and Dr Mavor (alias James Bridie) Looking around them, the large and good humoured nostalgia. McIlvanney who, in the lead-up to his melodies from Patricia Mullan’s fiddle, number of guests nodded agreement. Burns’ birthday anniversary pulls us up toast to the Immortal Memory, took us we wrapped up well and braved the cold Dr Mavor (otherwise ‘James Bridie’) ground. Then he spoke about Oban with the Immortal Memory of the plain as far afield as the ill-fated World Cup of the night. It was one of the more was the first member of the Glasgow people being members of the Free man speaking many plain truths – about campaign in Argentina, then to memorable anniversaries – can we make Art Club I ever met. I thought it might Church and about the Seceders. I told honesty, sincerity, worth and integrity. Crossmyloof, touched on the Irish power them more often? be of interest to describe how that him I didn’t know much about that, What a legacy has Rabbie left us! of Ossian, and recalled the Cotter’s Ian Melville The Glasgow Art Club’s Burns night has came about, but I seem to have left it but I had been to the Wee Free church become an annversary of anticipated rather late, since there can be few club in Oban. ‘You’ll know the paraphrases pleasure, companionshp and members left who remember him. then,’ he said, and began to sing However… conviviality. On January 29 about a Come, let us to the Lord our God I was interviewed by him. At least it hundred members, their guests, invited With contrite hearts return; was supposed to be an interview. I was speakers and musicians gathered in the Our god is gracious, nor will leave in my third year at the Glasgow & great gallery, glad to be in from the cauld The desolate to mourn. blast. Various rituals followed with West of Scotland Commercial College. Paul Dowds chats to the Friends vigorous and stirring piping from James At that stage one was supposed to I thought it would be impolite to leave Beaton, a powerful address to the haggis occupy one’s day-time hours with the man singing on his own, so I joined Paul explained the origins of the club by David Smith resplendent in his some sort of clerical employment. Dr in. as the brainchild of a group of artist tammie, and a fine Scottish supper. (We Mavor was looking for a secretary and I was not conscious of being put at my friends. Early members included some have always felt a flicker of sympathy for I was told by the college director that ease while we chatted away. From the of the painters known as the Glasgow the haggis impotently awaiting the slice if I wanted the job Dr Mavor would start I never felt other than at my ease. Boys – reacting against the popular of the scimitar.) On this occasion the wish to interview me. He did not treat me as a shy young haggis was within the beef rather than sentimentalist of the time sometimes It was the summer of 1943. He was man from up north. He treated me as known disparagingly as the ‘glue-pot alongside it. Atholl brose in a chocolate already a qualified medical an equal. I thought of him almost from tulip cup was a delightful follow-on. Piper James Beaton (left) and some of the guests. painters’. Paul also drew attention to practitioner and a successful author. I the first moment as a friend. the club’s own fine collection of was 19, diffident and shy, and not all It was late afternoon when I left to pictures, among them David GUESS WHO? Some highlights in the calendar that long arrived in Glasgow from catch my bus back to Glasgow. As I Donaldson’s portrait of John Oban. said goodbye I realised that I had not Cunningham, reputedly done in an The regular Unclubbed at the GAC takes (next date will be July 29). The Glasgow When I arrived at his house in really had an interview. Instinctively I afternoon and finished by teatime. place on Thursday, May 20. On the Art Club’s Summer Exhibition opens on Bearsden he was mowing the tennis felt he would be embarrassed if I asked After a description of the library, following night there’s a private view, Friday, June 25 with buffet at £15. lawn, assisted by his younger son, him about the job, so I just said – ‘Will archive and other facilities available to with supper on offer, for the opening by Summer cocktails are promised. On Bingo. I was invited to sit down in his I start tomorrow?’ And he said – ‘Oh, members and to the public, Paul Jimmie Macgregor of the Glasgow Friday, July 2, it’s time for the Art Club study and offered a glass of beer. He yes. Tomorrow. That’ll be fine’. touched on a more sensitive subject, Southern Art Club exhibition (Friday, Cabaret again. was quite a big man, had heavy And that is how I came to work for the neglect of the building over the May 21). shoulders, a large head, and a deep James Bridie. It turned out to be a A recital by the intriguingly titled New years, only now being tackled. He voice. He kept glancing at me from remarkable experience. referred to the Mackintosh frieze 4tet takes place on Wednesday evening, Grounded under untidy eyerows, but with a bit Iain A Macmillan June 2, with a pot-pourri of madrigals, which is believed to run round the The concert by the Fejes Quartet, of a smile, so I did not feel too Guests at our festive season Masquerade Ball folk songs, tavern catches, comedy gallery above the picture rail – long intimidated. I knew perfectly well who – but whose are the faces behind the masks? numbers etc. on the programme. It’s not frequent visitors to GAC, fell victim to hidden but soon, hopefully, to be seen he was, of course. I had read some of Keep in touch all frothy – composers include Purcell, the cloud of Icelandic volcanic ash. First again. A computer-generated image Sullivan and Vaughan Williams. Plus violinist Tamas Fejes, who is Hungarian, his plays, A Sleeping Clergyman and The Newsletter would like to hear from gave a fascinating view of how the two-course supper for £9.50. found himself stranded in his homeland Tobias and the Angel. you. If you have an idea for an article, gallery could look should the frieze be Two bites of the cherry for Jazz Bites, the and unable to fly. The concert, billed for When he heard that I was from Oban short item, anecdote or picture which you think would interest readers, please contact restored. first on June 5, the next on June 19. April 21, was cancelled but the quartet he asked me if I had read Neil Munro. us at [email protected] or The Friends’ visit was part of a fund- summer outing will return later this year. I had never heard of him, and said so. The summer outing is planned for phone 0141 248 5210 and ask for the club raising exercise to provide travel Sunday June 13 – destination Ardgowan Printed by Reproprint But when it came to the old myths and secretary. Or write to the Newsletter at the bursaries for School of Art students. Estate, Inverkip. Tel: 0141 440 1919 legends I was on more familiar club. Unclubbed returns on Thursday, June 24 Email: [email protected] 2 7 STAFF PROFILE First lady? ‘I’m learning’ says But Jemima Wilma – 30 years on missed

Every organisation depends on its backroom boys and her chance girls, but how many Art Club members are aware of NORMA FARQUHAR, in her latest Wilma Scott’s remarkable record of thirty years of article on the history of Glasgow Art continuous service? Club, reveals how the club might never It was on the first of March 1980 that the young Mrs have acquired its century-long reputation Scott took up the challenge of looking after the club’s as ‘an entrenched male stronghold’ if one books. She had recently returned to work at accountants woman had persevered. Cuthbertson Provan and Strong, where she had started as an office junior straight from college and met her husband When Glasgow Art Club was founded in Wilma Scott – working with ‘a great wee team’ Peter. He had to move to another firm when they got 1867 by William Dennistoun, ten young engaged – ‘couples were not allowed men, all enthusiastic amateur artists, met to work together at that time’. in a temperance hotel in We regret to announce the death of the following club members: Now, with two small sons to complete every Saturday. These meetings were Sir James Black OM, Gillian Gemmill Kamming, Brian M Jamieson, the family, she was ready to tackle serious working occasions where Abigail McLellan, A B Robertson, Dr James D Robertson MBE something new, and when her boss sketches were presented for criticism, watercolour landscapes being the main The serious-looking woman above is Jemima Blackburn, an Leslie McIntyre was appointed admired painter and illustrator in the second half of the output. Six months after the first Brian Jamieson supporters of in-house activities, secretary of GAC he asked Wilma if nineteenth century. Inset: her signature initials. especially anything musical. she could spend two days a week meeting it was decided that professional Brian Jamieson, who died suddenly at Born 30 August 1950, dealing with the payroll and members’ artists should be invited to join and new the age of 59 from complications died 15 February 2010. bills. men were drawn in. pupil of and Sir Edwin Species. During her lifetime Jemima following routine surgery, had a long ‘To begin with I worked from the The company must have been somewhat Landseer. In 1854 Professor and Mrs Blackburn illustrated twenty-seven and happy association with the club. He office in West George Street and taken aback when in 1869 the secretary Blackburn bought an estate, , on books. Her work was acquired by the combined a distinguished business career Sir James Black Blythswood Street, but after nine years read out a letter ‘in a feminine hand’ the southern shore of Loch Ailort in Natural History Museum, National applying for membership and offering to with a passion for the arts and was I moved into the wee cubbyhole Moidart, where Jemima redesigned the Portrait Gallery, Scottish National The legacy of the Nobel prize-winner Sir send a picture for approval. The letter ‘big house’ in the arts and crafts style. treasurer of the Nomads, the venerable halfway up the stair’, she recalls. ‘By Portrait Gallery, the , speakers’ club which meets fortnightly in James Black, who has died at the age of was signed JB and the club minutes She daily recorded life around her, and the . that time the club was newly open to the GAC. 85 after a long illness, is in the countless record that ‘in the absence of more especially the birds and wildlife there, More than two years passed before the women members and I enjoyed getting His old friend Gerry Malone recalls: lives saved by his pioneering research as explicit information, the consideration becoming one of the leading bird members of Glasgow Art Club replied to ‘Always immaculately turned out – his a pharmacologist. His name will always to put faces to the names I knew only of said Letter was in the meantime painters of the day. She sketched the last her letter. The secretary wrote that the opera cape frequently adorned the stalls be associated with the discovery and use through bills’. deferred’. known sea eagle’s nest before the species members would be ‘most happy to bar at the Theatre Royal – he was of beta-blockers in the treatment of heart The years brought changes in the The distinctive initials JB were the became extinct in Scotland. receive three specimens of your work unfailingly courteous, had a boisterous disease, and with the development of Glasgow accountancy scene; the small signature of Jemima Blackburn, a gifted It was at Roshven that she did her best should you still wish to join’. sense of humour, exuded sound new drugs to treat a wide variety of firm was gobbled up by a bigger one, and renowned illustrator and painter, work. described her as a The minutes of the next club meeting judgment in his business life and enjoyed conditions. and one secretary succeeded another wife of Hugh Blackburn, professor of ‘broad, intelligent observer with a keen record Mrs Blackburn’s reply. She the company of a cohort of loyal friends. James Whyte Black was born in till David Watson retired last year after mathematics at Glasgow University. eye for the beautiful in Nature’. Almost explained that ‘frequent absence from ‘As well as his lifelong support for Uddingston, the son of a mining ten years of service. The work Jemima’s first painting was hung in an certainly Beatrix named Jemima town would prevent her fulfilling the Scottish Opera, Brian served on the engineer. On graduation from Glasgow continued as before till last autumn exhibition at the Royal Academy in Puddleduck for her friend. rules of the Society and so from board of the Glasgow School of Art, was University in 1946 he spent twelve years when Jonathan Lord took over as the 1848 and later toured in America. A In her book Birds Drawn from Nature, accepting the responsibility of as an academic physiologist, initally at St an accomplished racing driver, chairman first club-based secretary. For the past copy of her book Birds Drawn from Jemima observed a hatching cuckoo membership.’ Andrews and then in Singapore. He of the Glasgow Society of Epicureans Nature, published only three years throwing out nestling meadow pipits The offer had been made bravely and returned to take up a post at the months Wilma has been helping him to and a trustee of the National Youth before her application, was presented to from a nest and with a drawing of the fairly. Had Jemima accepted it, other Orchesta of Scotland – a renaissance Glasgow University veterinary school. In bring the accounting system into the the Zoological Society of London. event settled an argument which had women would undoubtedly have man indeed.’ 1973 he was appointed head of 21st century. Jemima Blackburn (1823-1909) was the long puzzled ornithologists. Charles followed. No rule was ever made to Brian Jamieson was born in Edinburgh pharmacology at Unversity College, ‘It has been hard work digitising all of daughter of James Wedderburn, Solicitor Darwin referred to her observation in exclude women members from Glasgow and brought up in Kirkcaldy, then London. the data and I’m still learning some of General of Scotland. She was friend and the sixth edition of On the Origin of Art Club, but with the inclusion of lay Uddingston. School at Uddingston Thereafter he worked mainly in industry. the processes,’ Wilma admits, ‘but Grammar (school captain) was followed A spell at the Wellcome Research we’re beginning to see light at the end membership at a later date the club was by an LLB at Glasgow University and an Laboratories was followed by the of the tunnel which is very satisfying!’ to become ‘an entrenched male See who’s hanging in the vaults stronghold’ – the words of a ‘lady artist’! apprenticeship with Maclay Murray and professorship in Analytical She has always enjoyed working in the Spens, after which he moved to the Pharmacology at King’s College Hospital The admission of lay members changed club. Inverarity Vaults, the culturally-minded wine shop handily situated below the Art world of commerce as a legal adviser and medical school. the club meetings from simply working ‘It’s got a nice atmosphere, there’s Club, is hosting work by some of our artist members past and present throughout the occasions to meetings of a more social company secretary. A man who shunned publicity, his always something going on and the reaction to winning the Nobel prize for year. March saw an exhibition by Liz Knox. Stephen Carruthers is represented in May, nature. In this Victorian age it would Following a period with Coats staff make a great wee team, working Paton/Viyella, Brian moved to the medicine in 1988 was one of shock. ‘I followed by Muriel Barclay (June), Glen Scouller RSW RGI (August) and Ronald F have been undoubtedly difficult for hard to develop the services, especially Glasgow Development Agency, then was in an absolute funk,’ he has been Smith RSW RGI (December). All are on show for the full month. women to join the club. later Scottish Enterprise, as company quoted as saying. ‘I went down to the after we got charitable status.’ Eleven years elapsed before a group of secretary, a constant in a sea of changing pub and contemplated my fate’. He was Since her husband died five years ago, women, all graduates of Glasgow School political tides, his advice always well knighted for services to medicine in she has particularly appreciated the New Members of Art, formed the Glasgow Society of received and his discreet toleration of the 1988, and in 2000 was appointed to the support of colleagues, and is a regular Lady Artists, Scotland’s first club run by whims of his various political masters Order of Merit. He was chancellor of attender at Unclubbed evenings. We welcome the following new members. All are lay members except where indicated: and for women. A hundred years would philosophical. Dundee University from 1992 to 2006. Maria Mangan Barr, Hugo Brown, Matthew G Galbraith, Lynne Crombie Gilmour, pass before Glasgow Art Club again Brian frequently lunched at the club and Born 14 June 1924, Jean Reid Anthony Hamilton (artist), Neil Mackintosh, Derek McLean, Iain Mullholland, Alex opened its door to women members. he and his wife Linda were faithful died 22 March 2010. Norton, Brian Simmers.

6 3 In tribute to James Robertson On this page three Landscape for James Robertson people who knew

Each painting an open door to an unknown universe Jimmy Robertson landscape…yet emphatically well share their not scenery.

An invitation to witness memories of the man this artist’s vision landscape in form, in content

painted meditation. The Friend ... Raymond Williamson ‘It’s Jimmie’s new well-balanced diet’ – caricature by Dan Ferguson Colour and shape and texture Firstly there was the landscape marks in rich profusion – a no doubt daunting prospect for confer upon us Right of Entry. painting. He painted them – I bought The Colleague ... them! He was not shy about telling me him. his views on other painters. There was Barbara Rae Some of my favourite memories To this, his, other world. no in-between – either you had it or include: you didn’t. Anything less than the I always called him James, using His wonderful cars – the Triumph, the James Robertson’s painting ‘January Landscape’ Stan Bell highest standards of technique and ‘Jimmy’ only in third-person company. Spitfire, the Citroen Safari, the above all artistic integrity would not I first met him when at the Glasgow Porsches. Even his last car was a soft- do. School or Art in 1975 on the day of top sports car. A painter of zest It was much the same with our other my interview. He showed me around; I His forthright opinions – Dad was A fond farewell - and so shared interest in music and it was a got the job, and we became instant never wishy-washy or neutral about James Robertson – ‘Jimmy’ to his many source of irritation to him that the close friends. anything. He always had a view that friends – died on January 7 at the age of much in life to celebrate general public seemed to have better He was a natural painter. He didn’t do was expressed boldly! 78. critical faculties through their ears studies or sketches, he just painted it The frustrated TV critic – particular An outstanding and much honoured straight away. Jimmy managed to areas singled out for his special The empty leather armchair by the everyone who came in contact with him. than their eyes. Many happy hours artist, Jimmy was a former president of balance his teaching, his devotion to attention being sports (usually fireplace made its own poignant The club was decked out with flowers. were spent in discussion and in Glasgow Art Club and one of its best the students, with his own work, a footballers) and politics. I learned comment that sunny January morning. Paintings by Jimmy (including one listening with him to early recordings known and most characterful members. good example to them becase they saw some fairly colourful language at a For the presiding genius of the Art Club, magisterial canvas from the RSA) lined from the world-class collection of 78s James Downie Robertson was born in their tutor to be a serious practitioner, pretty young age, and was still Jimmy Robertson, was not there, the long wall of the gallery, of his old friend the late Dr George Fife on November 2, 1931, one of twin not merely a proselytiser or theorist. learning it last year. perched on the arm of the chair, holding complemented by caricatures by Dan Fraser. His views on singers were boys. He moved with his parents to I shall cherish all the memories I have His occasional absent-mindedness – he court with fellow artists and friends, the Ferguson in which Jimmy and other particularly clear – Caruso, Björling, Glasgow where he went to Hillhead of my time working with him. And once went to pick Katie up from centre of convivial and lively notables such as David Donaldson di Stefano in – Pavarotti definitely out. High School, before attending Glasgow there are generations of students and school, and drove off with the wrong conversation. He had seemed an featured wittily. I used to source recordings for him, School of Art. After a short spell aspiring amateurs who owe him a debt child. And I recall him losing his car indestructible part of the club, its most Luminaries of the world the last a recording of Shostakovich’s teaching, he joined the art school staff, at of gratitude too. When one of them for three days in Glasgow because he distinguished painter (a long-time Royal joined Jimmy’s many friends to crowd Jazz Suites shortly before Christmas – first as part-time lecturer and then as asked what a black mark was on one had forgotten where he parked it. Scottish Academician with an honorary the gallery. Speakers included Sandy not necessarily the easiest of tasks as full-time lecturer in drawing and of his paintings, he answered… His domestic incompetence – A great doctorate and recent MBE to his name), Moffat, formerly head of painting at often he could not remember either the painting. He retired in 1999 but ‘That, madam, is art.’ frustration to my long-suffering a connoisseur of the sister arts of music Glasgow School of Art, and Bill Scott, name of the composer or the work or continued to paint zestfully. An RSA, mother who jokingly called him Mr and poetry, and raconteur par president of the RSA. The event was the performer – and sometimes all member of the RGI and a D Litt of Fixit whenever he picked up a hammer excellence. presided over by Gordon MacPherson, three. But with the aid of my reference Glasgow University, he was appointed or screwdriver. Thankfully this Friends who had talked to him in the president of the Royal Glasgow Institute, books and Google (now there is MBE for services to art in Scotland last allowed him to spend more time in his run-up to Christmas and quizzed him who had also conducted the funeral. something beyond his comprehension) year. Sadly, his wife Ursula had died The Son ... studio. about his sortie to Buckingham Palace They and others, including Jimmy’s I don’t think I ever let him down. shortly before. His love of music – mostly jazz (he was could simply not believe that he had stepson Ian, offered appreciative insights Jimmy was of course, except for motor Ian Smith cars, a technophobe. My offer to give an enthusiastic drummer and played been snatched from them so suddenly, into Jimmy’s life and achievements. regularly in his twenties and thirties) without warning or a chance to make There was, quite properly, laughter to lift him some elementary cooking lessons In 1970 Dad met and fell in love with Memorial Show were firmly rejected, as was David Mum. Being five or six at the time I and opera. proper farewells. the elegiac mood. Jimmy’s Occasional visits to the Art Club – A memorial exhibition commemorating After the official funeral at Woodside granddaughter Isla read a moving little Smith’s offer to teach him how to can remember their early relationship work a microwave. clearly as Mum’s ‘special friend’ was where we were introduced to many of and celebrating the work of James Crematorium, Paisley, attended by poem about her ‘Grumps’ while Stan his friends and colleagues (and he Robertson will be held later in the year. family and close friends, there was a Bell’s perceptive verses about Jimmy’s art That familiar figure will for many of often at our house, and sometimes us always be perched on the arm of the used to lay low in my bedroom when finally taught me a sport – snooker). There will be a private view on Friday, commemoration event at the club. The made another thoughtful contribution. Dad was a private man and usually October 1, and the exhibition will run atmosphere was inevitably sad but also It all added up to a most civilised and chair by the fireplace, glass of whisky my Granny (who could be a in hand. formidable lady) popped in kept his emotions well guarded. He until Saturday, October 27. A dinner in in a real sense celebratory, for this was a affectionate leave-taking. also had a great strength and depth of Dr Robertson’s honour will take place man whose attitude to life and art and Now we are left with our memories, unannounced. They were married in but above all with the legacy of his 1971 whereupon Dad also took on the character. We are so proud that this on Friday, October 15. Details will be friendship enhanced the mood of Lesley Duncan remarkable man was our father. announced later. wonderful art. role of father to Dougal, Katie and me

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