Retrospective of ‘cultural icon’ John Patrick Byrne opens in Glasgow

The first retrospective exhibition of ‘cultural icon’ artist, playwright and theatre maker, John Patrick Byrne is to open in Glasgow on Friday.

A Big Adventure at Kelvingrove Art Gallery charts the career of the Paisley-born polymath, known for works including his play The Slab Boys and the 1987 TV show Tutti Frutti which starred Robbie Coltrane and Emma Thompson.

Among the exhibition’s main attractions is a room displaying over 40 self-portraits, the most ever displayed at one time, spanning Byrne’s whole career. The earliest is from 1963 depicting his time in Perugia, Italy, straight after art school, the latest from 2020.

Together with immortalising himself on canvas, Byrne has painted many famous faces, including Billy Connolly and former partner, Tilda Swinton.

Byrne, 82,  said: “It’s been a real pleasure working with Glasgow Museums on this retrospective. I’ve been in and out of Kelvingrove my whole life. It’s a delight to be reunited with works I’ve not seen in years, especially as they are hanging on the walls of a place I and so many people love.

“I’m glad that with the help of so many friends who’ve loaned artworks we’ve been able to showcase a really broad range, from murals to storyboards and everything in-between. I suppose you could say it tells much of my life story. I hope visitors enjoy it, seeing art should be fun. For me it’s certainly been a fun, Big Adventure all these years.”

A Big Adventure has seven sections and opens with a brief look at Byrne’s early life.

The artist speaks fondly of growing up in Paisley and of working as a slab boy, mixing paint for the designers at AF Stoddard & Co carpet factory after leaving school.

In 1958 he was accepted to study at Glasgow School of Art (GSA) and later returned to AF Stoddard & Co. as a carpet designer, teaching evening classes at GSA.

During this time, he sent a small painting to London’s Portal Gallery, pretending it was the work of his father and creating an alter ego, Patrick.

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The gallery offered “Patrick” his first solo exhibition and to this day Byrne occasionally signs his works “Patrick”.

The exhibition also explores Byrne’s passion for music as well as writing and his influence on Scottish culture through his collaborations with other artistic figures such as his friends, the late Gerry Rafferty, and Billy Connolly.

He went on to achieve literary success, writing two influential dramas, the cult classic Tutti Frutti in 1987, renowned as one of Scotland’s greatest TV shows and winner of six BAFTAs, followed by Your Cheatin Heart in 1990. They were credited for launching the careers of Scottish star Robbie Coltraine and actor Emma Thompson.

Martin Craig, Curator of Art post 1945 at Glasgow Life Museums, who put the exhibition together, said: “It’s been an absolute joy working with John on this exhibition. I’ve always been a fan, but learning more about his work, getting to know the man himself and listening to what friends and family have to say, I’m in awe.

“This project started pre-pandemic and with so many works in private collections Covid brought it’s challenges. The Fine Art Society have been amazing, and of course as soon as you say it’s for John everyone is more than happy to help.

“Words like icon and genius can be overused, but in John’s case they are perfectly apt. He is, without question, one of the most important artists of the last 70 years and he is so prolific. We could have filled the exhibition space five times over. Deciding was hard! A Big Adventure is filled to the gunnels with striking artwork, I hope it captures the anarchic, jubilation and vastness of John’s life and career.”

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A host of Scottish cultural commentators have contributed, adding their memories and impressions of Byrne in short film clips.

Several institutions from across the UK and private lenders have also loaned items to the retrospective, complimenting those held in Glasgow Life Museums’ collection.

Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life, said: “John Byrne is quite simply a true Scottish cultural colossus. This captivating new exhibition, the first at Kelvingrove since 2019, proudly celebrates one of Scotland’s most successful sons and shows why he is rightly considered one of the most gifted artists of the last 70 years.

“Byrne’s story is an inspirational one. He came from a working-class background, had many jobs before embarking on a successful artistic career and often talks of the importance of visiting the library and museums while growing up.

“We hope this exhibition is a visual feast for many and may provide a similar spark for future generations of Scottish artists and writers.”

A Big Adventure opens on Friday 27 May at Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Glasgow. Tickets are £7.50, concession £5, children under 16 are free.