Charles McCall, 1907-1989

Charles McCall was primarily an oil painter. His work is distinguished by a strong sense of colour, painterliness, and an awareness of French influences such as Vuillard. He began his education in Edinburgh. McCall first worked for a law firm while attending Edinburgh College of Art in the evenings. At the age of 23, he won a scholarship to the college, sponsored by his teacher D M Sutherland, and completed his diploma in two years rather than the usual four.

In the mid-1930s, he received a number of scholarships that allowed him to travel extensively throughout Europe. He was awarded a two-year fellowship in Edinburgh upon his return. McCall resumed painting after serving in the Royal Engineers during WWII, primarily on camouflage, and gradually built up an impressive series of one-man shows in England, North America, Canada, and Ireland. He was later a resident of London.