James Hardie (1938 – 2024)

Biography: Born in Motherwell, James Hardie studied at Glasgow School of Art. Following his graduation in 1959 he travelled to the Netherlands and France then exhibited throughout Scotland. In 1968 he moved to Aberdeen to teach at the College of Education. It was at this time that Hardie learned to fly an aeroplane, so he could visit his art-teacher students. He became fascinated by the landing strips and made many drawings of windsocks. Much of Hardie’s work drew inspiration from his love of flying and the open spaces of the west coast and islands of Scotland.
In early 2013 the Art Collection organised a major exhibition featuring the work of James Hardie and his daughters Amy Hardie and Gwen Hardie.