Baillie was a painter of flowers, landscapes and still-life. His work was abstract and lyrical, against the fashion of the times. His strong sense of pattern, sensuous colour and veiled imagery, show the influence of the vivid colour and culture of India and Nepal, countries he spent much time in, first whilst serving in the army. He was particularly interested in the role played by religion in India, and many of his paintings depict mystic banners, prayer flags, offerings and shrines.

William James Laidlaw Baillie CBE PRSA PRSW, 1923-2011

Born in Edinburgh, Baillie entered Edinburgh College of Art in 1941, but his studies were interrupted by army service in the Second World War. He returned to the college in 1947 and graduated in 1950. After teaching in Edinburgh schools, he joined the teaching staff of Edinburgh College of Art in 1960, retiring in 1988. In 1990 he became President of the Royal Scottish Academy.