Alexander Proudfoot was a Scottish sculptor and educator whose work and influence left a lasting mark on the Glasgow art scene in the first half of the 20th century.
Born in Liverpool in 1878 to Scottish parents, Proudfoot moved to Scotland to pursue his artistic training, enrolling at the Glasgow School of Art. There, he studied sculpture under Johan Keller, a formative influence who helped shape Proudfoot’s classical technique and deep appreciation for the human form.
Proudfoot went on to enjoy a long and respected association with the Glasgow School of Art. In 1912, he was appointed Head of Sculpture, a position he held until 1928. During this time, he played a key role in developing the School’s sculpture department, guiding a generation of young artists and promoting a strong tradition of craftsmanship. His tenure coincided with a period of vibrant artistic exchange in Glasgow, and Proudfoot became a leading figure within this creative community.
A prominent member of the Glasgow Art Club, Proudfoot contributed actively to exhibitions and the wider cultural life of the city. His sculpture, often classical in form yet marked by a subtle individuality, earned him a place in several major public collections. Notably, his work is held by the Scottish National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow—testament to both his technical skill and his standing within Scottish art history.
Proudfoot continued to work well into the mid-20th century, producing portraiture, commemorative works, and studies of the human figure.
