John Byrne, renowned artist and playwright, lived at 1 Castle Brae in the early 1980s when he was writer in residence at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art. He is regarded as one of the finest artists of his generation. He was born in Paisley and educated at St Mirin’s Academy in the town. He graduated from Glasgow School of Art in 1963.
Since then, Byrne has received several Honorary Doctorates. Byrne is perhaps best known as the writer of the Slab Boys Trilogy (see poster). He has also designed for many theatre companies including the Traverse, Edinburgh, 7.84 Company, Scottish Opera and the Citizens in Glasgow.
He has designed record sleeves for, among others, Billy Connolly and Gerry Rafferty. As well as his achievements in the graphic arts, Byrne has written for TV and Theatre, including award-winning plays for the UK and Broadway and the six-time BAFTA award-winning TV series, Tutti Frutti in 1986. Local legend has it that Tutti Frutti was written in the coal cellar at 1 Castle Brae.
His work is now held in major collections all over the world.
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I remember meeting John when I lived in the Gauldry. His distinctive old green car used to be parked outside the house.
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