Biography of Alasdair Gray

Alasdair James Gray was Writer in Residence at the University from 1977 to 1979. He held the chair of Creative Writing jointly with Tom Leonard and James Kelman from 2001 to 2003.

Gray was born in Riddrie, Glasgow in 1934 and attended Whitehill Secondary School. He studied at Glasgow School of Art where he specialised in murals. From 1958 to 1962 he worked, mostly part-time, as an art teacher in schools in Glasgow and Lanarkshire. This was followed by work as a theatrical scene painter, painter and playwright. His highly accliamed first novel Lanark was published in 1981.

Gray has written a number of novels, short stories, plays and poems. He is the designer and illustrator of his own books and those of other writers. He continues to paint murals, most recently at Oran Mor Arts and Leisure Centre in Glasgow.

Summary

Alasdair Gray
Artist and Writer
Born 28 December 1934, Glasgow, Scotland.
University Link: Professor
Occupation categories: artists; writers
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Record last updated: 31st Jul 2008

University Connections

University Roles

• Professor

Academic Posts

Professorships:

• Creative Writing