Alan Davie (1920 – 2014)

Biography: Born in Grangemouth to artistic and musical parents, Alan Davie studied at Edinburgh College of Art (1937-41). After war service and while travelling he met Peggy Guggenheim in Venice in1948 who mentored him, and he spent time with Mark Rothko and Jackson Pollock in New York during the 50s. He always maintained however that he was not an expressionist. His first solo exhibition was held in London in 1950 and was soon followed by international success. In addition to his artistic talents he was also an accomplished musician, playing saxophone in big bands during the war, and continuing to play piano for several hours into old age.