Douglas Matheson
Douglas was born and raised in Musselburgh where he attended the local grammar school. On return from National Service with the RAF he held several jobs in Musselburgh and Edinburgh; working as a gravedigger at local churches, a role at Brunton's Wire Mills (manufacturer of the cables for the Forth Road Bridge), and advertising sales with Scots Magazine, after which he decided to settle down. Betty (also of Musselburgh) and he married, they started a family and both returned to Education, Betty becoming a Primary schoolteacher (latterly a Head) and he studying at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design.
Following teacher training he embarked on a career in education at Keil School, moving to Crieff and Perth High Schools where he held several Head of Department appointments. In 1987 Douglas was appointed to post of Art & Design Adviser, a post he really enjoyed as he took a fundamental role in developing the new Art and Design curriculum which remains as the Standard Grade today. 1995 disaggregation of Scotland’s Local Authorities brought an opportunity for Douglas to take part in further new secondary educational development which he did with relish until he retired in 2000. He often spoke of the inertia of history in Art curriculum and teaching practice, and the impact on students. His love of education for the students, and his challenging of the teaching establishment brought for the mantra of 'It's not just Art, it's Art and Design. Painting fruit in a bowl won't get you a job. Designing a toaster might!". A statement which remains as relevant today as it was in the 1990's. This enthusiasm for Education for the students brought an MBE for Services to Education, presented by Queen Elizabeth II. James Bond, in the form of Sir Sean Connery was also there receiving his knighthood - the source of one of his famous dinner anecdotes.
The subject matter of Douglas’ paintings shifted from early still life work to compositions based on the environment and landscape, mostly Scottish but often with stimulus from travels in France and Italy. Douglas worked mainly in acrylic and mixed media using a variety of techniques and applications which developed continuously, latterly becoming looser and more vivid in colour. The composition of his paintings was very important to him alongside the interplay of colour, tone and texture. Always inviting the viewer to share in its interpretation. In contrast, his drawing style was always precise and latterly became quite minimalist.
As well as visual art Douglas had an active interest in design/architecture, music, travel, cars and dessert(s) at the end of a fine meal! He lived in Crieff, in Perthshire until his peaceful death from a long illness in August 2019, in his 82nd year. Beloved partner of Pat and late wife Betty, much loved Dad of Derrick and Graeme, brother to Shelagh, grandpa to Amelia and Imogen.
We would also like to thank (as Douglas would want to) the many friends, colleagues, family galleries and gallery owners for their invaluable support and encouragement during his artistic career and very full life:
Atholl Gallery, Dunkeld
Braemar Gallery
Fotheringham Gallery, Bridge of Allan
Galleria Luti, Callander
Glasgow University Gallery
Green Gallery, Aberfoyle
Heron Gallery, Pittenweem
Jetty Gallery, Oban
Just Art, Fochabers
Just Scottish, Edinburgh
Larks Gallery, Ballater
Line Gallery, Linlithgow
Luss Gallery
Park Gallery, Falkirk
Strathearn Gallery, Crieff
Tolquhon Gallery
And to the many patrons who enjoy Douglas' work in their homes.
Weel kent and loved by many friends, family, colleagues, pupils and peers. Douglas' passing has left a gap in this world filled in a small way by this digital retrospective of his work, also exhibited for one week only in Crieff, Perthshire. To his many friends, near or far. Please accept our thanks on behalf of Douglas for your friendship, love, support, golf days and wine nights. You know who you are! Douglas is smiling at you from behind his Theakston's Old Peculier-foamed moustache and his 'Joe 90' glasses.
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This website is created and managed by Derrick Matheson, who is contactable using the form below.
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"Cake? Yes - I'd love some cake!”
Douglas Matheson