The death has been announced of the great Scottish artist, playwright, and film maker, John Byrne at the age of 83. John was born in Paisley, Renfrewshire and studied at Glasgow School of Art. He was employed in Stoddart's carpet field in Elderslie and that is where the inspiration came from for his play 'The Slab Boys', which became a big hit. I first noticed him when he did illustrations for LPs by the likes of Donovan and the Humblebums, which he did for his long-time buddies Gerry Rafferty and Billy Connolly. In the mid-seventies I recall seeing an exhibition by him in Paisley Museum and Art Gallery and thinking it was terrific. He's probably best know for 'Tutti Frutti', a TV series which launched the careers of Robbie Coltraine, Emma Thomson and Richard Wilson.
He continued to paint throughout his years. Last year he had a major retrospective in Kelvingrove Art Gallery in Glasgow and it was one of the finest shows I have ever seen, showcasing his art, his film-making and his humour. The world has just lost a bit of colour with the great man's passing.
He continued to paint throughout his years. Last year he had a major retrospective in Kelvingrove Art Gallery in Glasgow and it was one of the finest shows I have ever seen, showcasing his art, his film-making and his humour. The world has just lost a bit of colour with the great man's passing.
Comment