Beatles Ballads painting by John Byrne is star of Two Glasgow Polymaths show

A unique exhibition of largely unseen work by two of Scotland's best-loved artists is to go on show this week in Glasgow.

Article Source: Lyon & Turnbull
Last Updated: 15 July 2024 13:22

Image: Jessie Lloyd, gallery manager at Lyon & Turnbull, Glasgow, with works from Two Glasgow Polymaths. Photo by Martin Shields Photography.

Two Glasgow Polymaths, which runs from Monday 15 July until Friday 26 July at Lyon & Turnbull's city centre gallery, features the work of John Byrne and Alasdair Gray.

Both men, who studied at the Glasgow School of Art, were prolific writers and visual artists.

Paisley-born Byrne died last December at the age of 83, while Gray, who lived in the city throughout his life, died aged 85 in December 2019.

Rarely seen treasures feature in the exhibition, two of which will be sold live online in Edinburgh next month. Other works have been loaned to the auction house by collectors.

A rare painting of The Beatles, painted by Byrne in 1969, and later used as the cover image of The Beatles Ballads LP 12 years later, is one of the highlights of the show.

Rumours at the time suggest the original was lost by EMI Records, which makes this unique work a surviving early version.

Also featured is a study for a project with Scottish music legend Donovan; part of a series on which Byrne collaborated with the Maryhill-born singer in the early 1970s.

Donovan commissioned Byrne in 1971 to design a cover for HMS Donovan, an album of children’s songs. The pair also worked on an animated film together which was Donovan’s answer to The Beatles hugely successful Yellow Submarine. The pair even relocated for a month to Los Angeles together. Byrne's young family, who were supposed to appear in the film, travelled to the US too. Unfortunately, the project never came to fruition.

These paintings form part of an extraordinary collection amassed from the 1970s onwards by Byrne's parish priest in Renfrew, Father Tom Jamieson.

According to Father Jamieson's niece, her late uncle would meet in Byrne in the artist's garden shed in Renfrew and discuss 'matters of great importance'. Byrne would show Father Jamieson his latest work and, as a result, he developed an interest in collecting his parishioner's paintings.

Father Jamieson’s niece said: “My uncle was very proud of these paintings and of knowing John Byrne. He loved anything that was a 'one off', and I think that led him to start buying from his talented but not-yet-famous parishioner.

"Being around these paintings in my childhood gave us a gateway into Byrne’s incredible world. I remember John describing his early work once as 'wee guys with big ears'. These are so much more than that, but Byrne’s sense of humour walks hand-in-hand with his art and I’ve always loved that.”

The Two Glasgow Polymaths exhibition also includes a painting by Gray from an important project in the development of his career.

Film sequence with Liz Lochhead, is one of a series which saw Gray create artworks to illustrate his friend's poetry. This collaboration with Lochhead, who went on to become Scotland's Maker (National Poet), were then filmed by BBC producer, Malcolm Hossick.

In addition, there are several drawings and paintings included in the show by Gray of his family and friends. One tender drawing in ink from 1963 depicts his first wife Inge with their sleeping son Andrew.

The Glasgow-based Alasdair Gray Archive is supporting Two Glasgow Polymaths by loaning its new Travelling Archive resource. This is to be displayed alongside seminal Gray works, some of which will be exhibited for the first time.

Sorcha Dallas, custodian of The Alasdair Gray Archive, said: “We appreciate the care Lyon & Turnbull has taken in developing this project and placing important works of Alasdair Gray over the years in key Scottish based collections.”

Lyon & Turnbull's head of contemporary art, Charlotte Riordan, who has curated the exhibition, said: “It has been a pleasure and a privilege to mount this show with the kind support of our collectors and the Alasdair Gray Archive.

“The significance of Gray and Byrne’s impact on Scottish culture cannot be overstated.

“This exhibition aims to honour their legacies: to celebrate the more widespread recognition Gray’s work received this year off the back of the Oscar-winning film adaptation of Poor Things, as well as mark the passing of John Byrne late last year. The Scottish art world will miss him greatly.”

The exhibition, at Lyon & Turnbull's gallery at 182 Bath Street, Glasgow, is by appointment only.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Scottish dancer to appear in The Red Shoes in first tour stop in Glasgow

The King's Theatre, Glasgow is delighted to reveal the full cast and tour dates for Matthew Bourne's double Olivier award-winning, smash hit production of The Red Shoes.

Braehead Shopping Centre is your place for festive fashion, food and fun this Christmas

Christmas is in full swing at Braehead Shopping Centre, and Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination is once again the place to celebrate the magic of the festive season!

Solasta Residence supports Beatson Cancer Charity through festive giving tree initiative

Solasta Residence in Glasgow has launched its first Giving Tree in support of Beatson Cancer Charity.

The Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow unveils exciting new programme for 2026

The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow is set to light up 2026 with a thrilling year of music, theatre and comedy.

Wingstop UKI opens its doors at Silverburn

Leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, has turned up the heat on its dining line-up with the official opening of Wingstop UKI, bringing even more flavour and choice to guests.

90s pop icon joins the cast of Mean Girls

Faye Tozer to star alongside Kiara Dario as Gretchen Wieners in the award-winning musical Mean Girls, coming to the King's Theatre in Glasgow from Monday 29th June!

DF Concerts & Events launches The DF Academy

DF Concerts launches the DF Academy to strengthen pathways between education and Scotland's live music & events industry.

Dr Gillian Shirreffs launches the 12 Days of Christmas with new book Elephant

Dr Gillian Shirreffs launches the 12 Days of Christmas with Beatson Cancer Charity this month.

Popular lifestyle brand Oliver Bonas opens at Silverburn

Silverburn, Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, has welcomed much-loved independent fashion, jewellery and homewares retailer Oliver Bonas.

Win your way to the IRN BRU Carnival

The Duck Hunt is back bigger and better with over 150 ducks hidden across Glasgow and beyond!

New film on resistance to Home Office raid on Kenmure Street to be released next year

Scottish distributor Conic has acquired all UK and Ireland rights for Everybody to Kenmure Street, a new documentary about Glasgow's community resistance to a Home Office raid in 2021.

Sean Batty joins Glasgow businesses to champion choose local at Christmas cry

STV presenter visits Glasgow West End's Business Improvement District to highlight the vital role that local people can play in the the final festive push.

Everyman presents Nationwide preview screenings of Sentimental Value

See the highly anticipated new comedy drama before anyone else, with preview screenings at Everyman cinemas nationwide.

Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership

Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership bringing together Scotland's most celebrated writers and musicians!

Beatson Cancer Charity announces amazing total for Glasgow Santa Dash 2025

Beatson Cancer Charity is thrilled to announce that the Glasgow Santa Dash 2025 has raised more than £100,000 to support people affected by cancer across the west of Scotland.

University of Glasgow launches first Virtual Reality kiosk for Museums in the Metaverse

Imagine visiting a museum and being transported inside the glass cases, to virtually examine artefacts at astonishing proximity and from every possible angle. This is now reality.

Jock and the Beanstalk panto stars support Social Bite Festival of Kindness

Pavilion Panto stars headed to Social Bite's Festival of Kindness on Vinicombe Street to encourage Glaswegians to donate gifts and funds to support people experiencing homelessness this winter.

DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events

DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.

Full casting announced for Scottish premiere of Single White Female at the Theatre Royal Glasgow

Full casting has been announced as rehearsals begin for the Scottish premiere of Single White Female coming to the Theatre Royal Glasgow in June!

Celebrate the New Year with a sparkling experience at The Ivy Glasgow

With toasts to celebrate the new year breaking around the world, the experience is not to be missed!

A sweet partnership bringing locally produced, sustainable ice cream to the SEC in time for a packed winter events season

Equi’s Ice Cream, the award-winning Scottish, family-run ice cream maker, is announcing a major new partnership as the official ice cream supplier of the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow.

Teenage Cancer Trust units in Glasgow receive festive surprise from Aldi

Young people receiving cancer treatment in Glasgow have been treated to a surprise delivery of festive goodies from Aldi, helping them celebrate the holiday season away from home.

Step into Christmas at Dalmeny Park with special festive menus and afternoon teas this December

Dalmeny Park is pulling out all the stops to make this festive season truly magical, unveiling its 2025 festive dining menus and afternoon teas available until 23rd December.

Big Fat Bingo of The Year shows announced

Christmas is coming in fast, and hot on its heels is the surreal, off-kilter period between Xmas and NYE... Bongo's Bingo have got just the tonic to help see out the final days of 2025!

Scottish jazz talent in tune as award winners unveiled

The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.

Anna Campbell Jones launches small batch Scottish botanical rum distilled in Glasgow

Interior designer, BBC Scotland's Home of the Year judge and entrepreneur Anna Campbell-Jones has released her first spirit.

Best burger in Scotland is now available in Glasgow for Christmas

Glasgow's Winter Wonderland gives visitors a taste of the festive season with foodie highlights including Scotland's best burger!

Award winning Rickshaw & Co launches its festive menu in Glasgow

Rickshaw & Co has launched its festive menu, bringing bold Indian and Bangladeshi flavours to December in Partick.

From plate to print: Kirsty Wark celebrates artistic legacy of great aunt

Glasgow Print Studio is thrilled to announce the release of a new limited-edition print by journalist, TV presenter and writer Kirsty Wark as part of their Call & Response series.