Frank Laing, 1862-1907

Frank Laing, born Francis James Laing in Tayport, Fife in 1862 was a painter and engraver. His watercolours and etchings of European landscapes and architectural subjects are his most well-known works. Laing lived and worked throughout Europe, producing a portfolio of notable work in Spain, Paris, Chartres, Antwerp, and Venice. He had numerous exhibitions, including those at the Royal Academy (RA), the Royal Scottish Academy (RSA), and the Paris Salon. He received a jury commendation at the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1900. The majority of Laing's work is in private collections. In 1905, Laing and Alec Grieve co-founded the Tayport Artists' Circle. Other members of the group included well-known Scottish painters David Foggie, Stewart Carmichael, and James Douglas. Laing was active in promoting the cause of local Scottish artists and arts groups before dying at the relatively young age of 45 in 1907.