Romance for Moon and Stars
Oil on board (diptych),1964
72 x 96 inches

Alan Davie

Born in Grangemouth in 1920, his father was a painter and printmaker. Between 1937 - 40 Alan studied at Edinburgh College of Art where he won several scholarships. After a period spent serving in the army he worked as a jazz musician, while developing his interests in writing poetry, designing and making textiles, ceramics and jewellery. His influences have always been diverse and by the time of his first solo exhibition held in Edinburgh, 1946, his interest in the works of Paul Klee and primitive artists was apparent. By 1947 his work was considered groundbreaking, with successful exhibitions held in the Florence and Venice. During this period the collector Peggy Guggenheim became a major supporter and throughout the next ten years he exhibited widely in sdome of the worlds greatest public and commercial art galleries.

His first New York exhibition was held in 1956 and from this time he was warmly accepted and welcomed by the likes of Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko and Gorky. During 1957-59 he was Gregory Fellow at Leeds University.

Alan Davie continues to exhibit internationally and his work is held in many of the worlds major public collections.

In 1972 Alan Davie was awarded C.B.E. He works from his home and studio in Hertford where he continues to compose music and to paint and draw each day.