William Sinclair

1930-1997. William Sinclair studied Drawing and Painting at Glasgow School of Art 1954, a pupil of David Donaldson. His subject matter was predominantly observations of the rich and bustling harbours and docks of Greenock and Port Glasgow, where he lived, drawing and painting the busy scenes and capturing the grandeur and majesty of the huge cranes and hulls under construction. These docks, now dormant and built over with new housing, play a prominent part in the many studies of the docks, tugs, sailboats and working ships. Sinclair's paintings take on a historical importance, and record a scene that has now vanished. From his home high above Port Glasgow, looking over the townscape, he also painted the view across the river to the rich landscapes of the Inverclyde area and further afield in Scotland and Ireland. These paintings of trees and fields are reminiscent of the landscapes and style of William Gillies. He was an artist in the traditional sense of the word; painting purely to express his feelings and emotions rather than for the financial gains that he could have had, even buying back his own paintings when the opportunity arose.

Continually drawing and painting, but rarely exhibiting, like many artists he earned his living by teaching art. This exhibition is a selection from the body of work which has remained unseen since he died 12 years ago. It includes some fascinating observations and drawings, scenes of old Greenock and Port Glasgow whilst they were still lively and active ship building towns.

A regular exhibitor at the Royal Scottish Academy and the Royal Glasgow Institute, where an acquisition by HRH Prince Philip duke of Edinburgh caused a new surge of interest in his work. A principal art teacher in Greenock, he was well-known and respected in the teaching profession, one who had a genuine and sincere passion for art, which he endeavoured to pass onto his students.