Obit Hampstead School of Art patron and painter Alan Gouk

Widely admired and respected as an eminent abstract painter, he was born in Belfast in 1939, and originally studied architecture in Glasgow and London, then psychology and philosophy at Edinburgh University before working as an exhibitions officer for the British Council.

Helping to organise the British exhibition at the 1966 Venice Biennale he made contacts with prominent artists including the late Hampstead sculptor Anthony Caro.

In 1967 Alan began a long and inspirational career teaching at St. Martin's School of Art where he interviewed Hampstead School of Art Principal Isabel Langtry.

She writes: "On a hot summer day in the ’80s, I was on my way to a postgraduate interview - portfolio under my arm. I was a shy student from Hull University’s Faculty of Design Studies, travelling up in a scruffy lift to the fifth floor of the St Martins building on Charing Cross Road. With me were two unknown men, with very sculptural faces, very polite too.

When the lift hit the last floor, we got out. Me feeling lost, they chatting, said “follow us” and so it was that I arrived to Tim Scott’s office - brilliant head of sculpture, and learnt that the two men in the lift were, painter Alan Gouk and sculptor Sir Tony Caro.

Alan was painted by Hampstead School of Art student Tedi Lena (Image: Courtesy of Isabel Langtry)

Alan was was of the interviewers,  hugely charismatic, deep set eyes under black bushy brows - he reminded me of Brancusi’s observation of Picasso’s eyes being like “bullets coming at you”.

These eagle eyes (Alan's jumper tucked into his trousers), scrutinised every scrap of my portfolio, they referenced the wonders of Goya and Julio Gonzales, he clocked my Spanish heritage almost immediately, then sent me straight into the studio saying “now we’ll find out if you’re the right student for us”.

Unknown students were busy at work, I joined them, a baptism of fire, I was added to the fold.

Over the next three years of my post grad training, Alan became the intellectual guide, the injector of deep knowledge, critical observation and standards. He also became my friend, his family part of mine. Constantly challenging my intellect, stretching my understanding and ambition.

A portrait of Alan Gouk by Tedi Lena (Image: Tedi Lena)

Alan joined us at the carving school- supported by the British Council,  in Slovenia, set up by Francisco Gazitua , who introduced a fundamental skills based knowledge into St Martins from which so many of us were able to create international sculptural careers. Alan carved and forged along with the rest of us!

When I negotiated the purchase of Alan's painting ‘Cretan Premonition’ by the Tate Gallery he beamed so broadly we were all happy for months.

The Indonesian sculptor Dolorosa Sinaga (also patron of HSoA) reminded me of Alan's kindness in recognising how difficult her new life in London must seem, and giving her time, and what I can only describe as a transmitted warmth that I felt too.

When I was appointed Principal in 2011, I invited Alan to become a Patron. He generously agreed and lead workshops for our students and gave wonderful lectures, the last one in collaboration with fellow patron Sir Frank Bowling - mesmerising.

The art school changed when Alan Gouk became a patron. It will now change again this time with Alan in our hearts. Alan Gouk is painting royalty and we are so proud of everything he has done."

Selected paintings by Alan Gouk are on permanent display at Hampstead School of Art and an exhibition is planned.

During his lifetime Alan exhibited at the Hayward Gallery, the Museum of Modern Art, Oxford, the Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh, Woodlands Gallery, Greenwich, Smith's Gallery, Angela Flowers Gallery, Sandra Higgins Fine Art and was twice a prizewinner at the John Moores Liverpool exhibition.

Alan leaves behind wife Pat, children, Paul, Sholto and Alexis, and five grandchildren.