Lily Cottrell (1896 – 1984)

Biography: Lily Cottrell was the mother of the first Principal of the University of Stirling, Tom Cottrell, who died suddenly in post in 1973. A scientist by training, he was influenced by his artistic mother and had very clear ideas about art and its place in society. He felt that art should be part of the everyday experience at the University and it is his philosophy that has been driving and inspiring the art collection to keep on collecting and showing exciting art to the students and public ever since.
Tom Cottrell was Lily’s first child. She was pregnant again when her husband died. She had a second son, Allin, who was tragically killed in an accident at a young age. She found that painting helped her to cope with these great sadnesses in her life.