Sir William George Gillies was one of Scotland’s most celebrated 20th-century painters, renowned for his evocative landscapes and intimate still lifes. Born in Haddington, East Lothian, he studied at the Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) before refining his craft in Paris, where he was influenced by the Post-Impressionists and early Cubists.
William Gillies’ work is characterised by a deep sense of place, capturing the quiet beauty of the Scottish countryside with a masterful balance of structure and spontaneity. His compositions often reveal an affinity for Cézanne’s approach to form and perspective, yet remain distinctly Scottish in tone - subtle, atmospheric, and rich in texture. Alongside his landscapes, he created deeply personal still lifes, where everyday objects were rendered with a poetic simplicity.
A dedicated educator, Gillies returned to ECA as a lecturer and later became its Principal, shaping generations of Scottish artists. He was knighted in 1970 for his contribution to the arts, cementing his legacy as both an influential painter and a guiding force in Scotland’s artistic community. His work continues to be celebrated for its quiet lyricism and enduring connection to Scotland’s natural and domestic worlds.
