Head to Head with Paolozzi

The story of a great British painter who slipped into obscurity will be remembered at a major retrospective exhibition arriving at the City Art Centre in Edinburgh from 24 October 2015.

William Gear 1915-1997: The painter that Britain forgot seeks to re-position William Gear in his rightful place as one of the most advanced British abstract painters of his generation. The exhibition features around 120 works spanning his colourful career and coinciding with the centenary of his birth.

Following a successful first run at the Towner Art Gallery this summer, the partnership exhibition between Eastbourne and Edinburgh will run alongside Jagged Generation: William Gear’s Contemporaries and Influences, an exhibition drawn from the City Art Centre's collection which explores the artist’s links to Scotland.

Jagged Generation: William Gear’s Contemporaries and Influences presents a selection of artworks from the City Art Centre’s own collection. This exhibition focuses on the vibrant circle of Scottish artists associated with Gear - his tutors, friends and contemporaries. It was at Edinburgh College of Art that Gear met like-minded fellow students including Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, Margaret Mellis and Alan Davie, who also made innovative contributions to the post-war art scene.

Gear spent most of his career outside Scotland, yet he retained many Scottish ties and friendships. Jagged Generation showcases Gear’s work within this wider Scottish context, shedding light on his personal and professional relationships, as well as his artistic development.

Pictured: Helen Scott Curator of Fine Art with Mr Cruikshank by Sir Eduardo Paolozzi RA, CBE