CROZIER, William

1930 - 2011

William John Crozier was born at Yoker, Glasgow, of Irish descent, on 5 May 1930. He studied at the Glasgow School of Art 1949-1953 and on graduating Crozier left Scotland for London and spent substantial periods of time between 1955 and 1965 living in Europe, principally in Dublin, Paris, and Malaga. In 1954, on a visit to Glasgow from London, Crozier met the actress Elspeth McKail, married her, and together they went to Dublin but was back in England in 1956, when he and Elspeth with their young son Paul set up home in Folkestone, Kent. The following year saw Crozier's breakthrough when he found a studio on the Suffolk/Essex border where he painted a series of dark, dramatic landscapes, sun like a cannon shot in a milky yellow sky, battered black crops-streaked blood-red, yellow ochre and earth colours that refuse to stay earthed. Whilst living in Alphamstone, near Sudbury, on the Essex/Suffolk borders, Patricia Douthwaite moved in with the Crozier's and Crozier introduced her to her future husband the distinguished artist and illustrator (Arthur) Paul Hogarth (4 October 1917–27 December 2001). Crozier taught at St Martin's Central School of Art and later at Winchester School of Art, from where he retired as Head of Fine Art in 1987 to paint full-time. Vibrant colour, striking, sophisticatedly simplified design and an idiosyncratic paint texture characterise his landscape work. Crozier held several one man shows at The Scottish Gallery including the festival of 1989 where he exhibited paintings, prints, monotypes, and bronze sculptures and exhibited at the Drian Galleries in London also having successful shows in Ireland, where he spent part of his time. William John Crozier died 12 July 2011.

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Works by This Artist