Clan Colquhoun

Robert Colquhoun 1914-62
After studying at Glasgow School of Art, Kilmarnock born Colquhoun won himself travelling scholarships with his articulate portrait drawings. He was able to study in Italy in 1937 and 1939. Thanks to the persuasion of Jankel Adler, Colquhoun moved from Neo Romantic landscapes towards figure work, which was to become the basis of his greatest period, stretching from 1944 to 1947.

The work he produced at this time, like Picasso’s melancholy images, showed individuals in moods of despondency and wretchedness. After this time the quality of his output and receptiveness of the public seesawed, on top of which his drinking became an interference.

He was back on form however for his commission to create the sets and costumes for the Scottish Ballet’s production of Massine’s ‘Donald of the Burthens’ in 1951 and again in 1953 his work for George Devine on ‘King Lear’ at Stratford drew acclaim.