William Gear

William Gear RA (1915-97) is best known for his work with the Cobra Group with whom he exhibited in Amsterdam and Copenhagen in 1949. However, beyond this association Gear had a long and successful career in his own right. This book, the first to be published on the artist, charts his remarkable artistic journey.

Born in Fife, Scotland, William Gear studied at Edinburgh College of Art. His artistic apprenticeship was distinguished; it featured a travelling scholarship which included a period of study with Fernand Léger in Paris. After serving in the Second World War, Gear pursued his career in earnest and was soon exhibiting his work within the international arena.

Alongside his connections with Cobra, Gear enjoyed domestic accolades which included a Festival of Britain Purchase Prize (1951), membership of the London Group (1952) and the title of Senior Royal Academician (1995). These achievements, alongside many other highlights, are discussed in John McEwen’s accessible and insightful overview of Gear’s career. Supported by more than eighty colour images plus previously unpublished archival photographs, William Gear is essential reading for all those interested in twentieth-century British art.