Contemporary Art

Two Glasgow Polymaths: Alasdair Gray & John Byrne | Panel

14 January 2025

Lyon & Turnbull

In our recent Glasgow 2024 exhibition, we were delighted to present a panel discussion with some of John Byrne's and Alasdair Gray's friends and contributors, led by Associate Director and Head of Contemporary Art Charlotte Riordan.

Our speakers were Nichol Wheatley, artist and long-time collaborator on Gray’s murals, David Eustace, friend of John Byrne and professional photographer who had sittings with both artists, Edwin Pickstone, lecturer at the Glasgow School of Art and co-designer of Gray’s famous typeface, and Claire Forsyth, Creative Director from Glasgow Print Studios and Artist and Scott Campbell, Master Print Maker from Glasgow Print Studios who worked with both artists.

Contemporary Art

Explore our 22 January auction.

Image Making with the Masters | Panel Discussion

Alasdair Gray & John Byrne are inarguably two of the most significant figures in 20th century Scottish culture, their work continuing to inspire and stimulate artists practising today. With the kind support of our clients, Lyon & Turnbull presented a showcase of works by Gray & Byrne from across eras and mediums, including early and never before exhibited pieces in July 2024, titled Two Glasgow Polymaths: Alasdair Gray & John Byrne.

Though Gray and Byrne's artistic identities were completely unique and distinct, they shared much in common. Both were extraordinarily talented, with work spanning multiple disciplines. They are renowned and beloved as artists, playwrights and authors. Interestingly and importantly, they were both born and raised in the environs of Glasgow (Byrne in Paisley and Gray in Riddrie, north-east of the city) and studied at the Glasgow School of Art. This geography was to become an intrinsic part of both of their artistic outputs.

They had both been brought to the fore of our consciousness in 2024, with John Byrne’s sad recent passing at the end of 2023, and with the worldwide cinematic release of the film adaptation of Alasdair Gray’s novel ‘Poor Things’.

We were delighted to have been able to celebrate the work of these two fascinating and important artists in July 2024 at our Glasgow gallery.