Alasdair Gray 1934-2019

[johncorrigan]

Scotland in mourning at the death of the wonderful Alasdair Gray who has died peacefully in hospital this morning aged 85. Alasdair was a fixture of the Glasgow West End when I lived in those parts in the early 80s. A lovely, friendly, eccentric delight of a man whenever you met him. A genius who will be sadly missed by so many.

https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/18127085.obituary-alasdair-gray-writer-artist/

[Richard Barrett]

Yes indeed. A friend recommended 1982 Janine to me in 1988, soon after which I was knocked sideways by Lanark. Poor Things is pretty good too. I only know him from his books but these three in particular are masterpieces I think, incomparable and deeply affecting.

[johncorrigan]

Yes indeed. A friend recommended 1982 Janine to me in 1988, soon after which I was knocked sideways by Lanark. Poor Things is pretty good too. I only know him from his books but these three in particular are masterpieces I think, incomparable and deeply affecting.

'Lanark' was such an influential book, Richard, but he was also a fine painter. I worked in a restaurant in the West End and in the late 70s, the proprieter used to support Alasdair who would paint pictures of the staff on the walls. They're still there, a lot of them - never me - I arrived there too late for that. But it was always a delight when Alasdair came in to the Bar for a drink - such a joyous man.

[LMcD]

On BBC Scotland at 10.00 p.m. tonight, and thereafter on BBC iPlayer if you can't receive BBC Scotland, there's a repeat showing of 'Alasadair Gray at 80', first broadcast in 2014.